All Chapters of Once won't hurt : Chapter 21 - Chapter 22

Mira Standing on the too-familiar porch, I felt nothing—no rush of emotions, no longing, just a faint nerve reminding me I was about to see their faces. Laughter rang out—melodious and free. I heard my mom’s voice, faint but distinct, followed by another burst of laughter. I stood there, bag in hand, wondering how they would receive me. Taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell. It was mother’s habit to answer the door, no matter how busy she was. My grip on my bag tightened as I pictured her face. My heart pounded as soft footsteps approached. The glass door swung open, faster than I’d imagined. Nerves kicked in, and I wished the ground would swallow me whole. She stepped out, one hand on the frame, the other hanging loosely by her side. My feet stayed rooted; words failed me. She was exactly as I remembered—still beautiful, barely aged, just a little plumper. Her gray joggers and green T-shirt made her seem taller somehow. Her face shifted from surprise to a warm smile, one th