It was 6 PM when Ethan finally arrived home.
He stood in front of the door, his heart a little lighter after everything that had happened. He raised his hand and knocked gently.
The door opened swiftly.
"Ethan, you're here!" his mother, Elle, exclaimed, her face lighting up with warmth.
"I'm here, Mom," Ethan replied, stepping forward with a tired but genuine smile.
Before he could even take a step inside, a tiny voice rang out from the hallway.
"Big brother!!"
Anna, his 10-year-old sister, came running full speed, practically jumping into Ethan's arms. Laughing, Ethan scooped her up and hugged her tight.
"Hey, slow down or you'll knock me over," he chuckled, then gently patted her head.
After putting her down, Ethan looked around the living room, only to realize someone was missing.
"Where's Dad?"
Elle sighed lightly and replied,
