"Tadaima!" Aurora's cheerful voice echoed from the garage entryway, signaling her return.
In the kitchen, Theo's smile widened as he raised his voice to call back, "Okaeri!"
Guided by the sound of his voice and the faint, promising aromas already drifting through the air, Aurora stepped into the kitchen with a bright, energetic expression. She dropped her school bag onto a nearby chair and immediately craned her neck, trying to peek at the prep station. "Big brother! What are we having for dinner?"
"Creamy chicken and mushroom pie," Theo replied, looking up from his workstation with a warm smile.
"Really?" Aurora's eyes instantly lit up with pure excitement. "It feels like it's been forever since you last baked a pie. I absolutely can't wait!"
Theo chuckled softly, amused by her instant enthusiasm. "Alright, calm down. Go take a shower and change into some comfortable clothes first. The dough is still chilling, so it'll take a little while before everything is ready to serve."
