The savory and tempting smell of warm food filled the kitchen when the low rumble of engines broke the silence on the lawn.
The sound pulled Ashrik and Lucille's attention to the outside. They were halfway through preparing the dishes. They exchanged a look before glancing toward the sound.
"They're back," Ashrik said. He paused mid-motion, fingers resting on the edge of the counter.
Lucille chuckled, her eyes bending into crescent moons. "Finally."
She wiped her hands on a cloth before following him out through the back door. The afternoon light spilled across the lawn, warming the chill spring air.
Lucille and Ashrik walked further toward the front of the yard. Three motorbikes rolled into view from the forest path. Dust settled slowly as they came to a stop.
Felix rode alone in front, posture relaxed as he wore a faint grin on his lips. Behind him, Isaac shared a bike with Kevin, while Hazel drove the last one with Regina seated behind her.
