Amelia clicked send, watching the message blink onto her screen. A small sigh escaped her lips, the kind that came with a mix of relief and routine. She set the phone down on the table beside her and stretched her arms for a moment before pushing back her chair. "Time to make lunch," she murmured to herself, letting her thoughts drift toward the kitchen. The fridge door opened with a quiet hum, spilling soft light across the tiled floor as she scanned the shelves for what to prepare.
She was just beginning to gather ingredients when the familiar thunder of footsteps shook the hallway. A chorus of young voices rang out, filled with excitement and joy.
"Mom, we are home!"
