The house felt different that evening.
Not loud. Not heavy. Just… full.
Evelyn noticed it the moment she stepped out of her room. The living room lights were on, not too bright, not too dim. The television was playing softly, some random show Liora had put on without really watching. The smell of cooked food still lingered in the air, warm and comforting, the kind that settled into the walls and made a place feel lived in.
For the first time in a long while, Evelyn didn't feel like she was merely staying somewhere.
She felt like she was home.
She walked slowly toward the kitchen, where Liora was rinsing dishes. Her movements were calmer than usual, less rushed. The panic from earlier in the day was gone, replaced by exhaustion and relief. Her mother was resting upstairs, finally asleep after much convincing.
"You should be resting too," Evelyn said lightly.
Liora glanced back and smiled. "I will. Just wanted to finish this first."
