It didn’t take long before the gate opened with a familiar creak, the familiar security guard greeting her with a polite nod. As Lara stepped inside, she heard Reagan’s car quietly pulling away in the background, the engine fading just as the gate closed behind her with a soft clang.
She walked up the short path to the front door, the familiar scent of home welcoming her like a memory. When she entered the house, she found her parents in the living room.
Her father was seated on the couch, engrossed in whatever he was watching on his iPad. Her mother sat beside him, sipping tea. Her mom’s phone was propped up on a small stand on the table, but her attention was fully on whatever video her husband was watching.
Both of them looked up the moment Lara stepped in.
Her mother’s face instantly lit up. “Sweetheart!” she exclaimed, standing and hurrying over. Her arms wrapped around Lara in a warm embrace. “You’re finally here. I’m so happy you visited us again.”
Lara returned the embrace wit
