Anderson Family House: Late Morning
The old house still carried the echoes of better days, though the scent of lavender and lemon polish now lingered in the halls again, thanks to Vera and Valerie's tireless effort to make it feel like home.
The living room was calm and warm, sunlight streaking through the lace curtains. Mrs. Bella sat in her usual chair by the window, bundled in a soft shawl, her once sharp eyes now softer, yet alert, more alert than they had seen in months.
Ethan stepped inside, carrying baby Andrew in his arms, his expression unreadable. The past year had carved lines of regret and exhaustion into his once-proud face. But here, with his son nestled against his chest, he looked… almost whole.
"Ethan," Valerie said with a small smile. "You came."
"Yeah," he said quietly, "it was time."
Vera walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands. "It's good to see you," she said genuinely. "Andrew's grown so much."
