I finally tore my gaze away from the beautiful scenery, which seemed to keep pace with the car, and glanced at my mum, who sat in the front seat beside Dad.
"We've missed you, Mira," she said, a smile curling on her painted lips.
Michael, sitting by the window, groaned. "I'm so glad you're back. Now Mum can stop pestering me and get off my case," he grumbled, eyes glued to his video game.
"And I missed you too," I said, dragging out the sarcasm. "But seriously, you guys didn't have to come all the way out here to get me." I gestured to the full car, the whole family packed in.
"Tell me about it," Michael grumbled, clearly annoyed at the thought, which made me snicker, wondering how Mum had managed to get him to come with them.
"Nonsense," Dad finally said from the front seat. "It's only right we all come. You don't know how bad it is having Michael as your substitute. I missed my princess."
We all laughed at Dad's words directed at Michael, who didn't seem bothered but instead paid more attention to his game, as if his life depended on it.
"Same here," I replied. "We have a whole month to spend together. That should make up for how long I've been gone."
"Yes, darling," Mum glanced over at me. "Remind me to give you a hug when we get out. I've missed my baby."
"Speaking of hugs," Michael interrupted, "you can do that now. We've reached. Have fun playing 'I miss you, I love you,'" he added, eagerly waiting for the car to stop.
Mum shot Michael a glare, and he flashed a sheepish smile. "Didn't you miss your sister, young man?"
"I did, so much," he replied. The car came to a halt, and before he bolted through the open door, he turned to me. "Keep Mum away from my room. I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about. Please, take your precious time." With that, he dashed off before anyone could call him back to help with my luggage.
"That brat," Mum and Dad muttered in unison, both looking in the direction he'd gone.
"He must've been a headache," I chuckled.
"More than that," Dad replied, walking around the car to grab my luggage. "You and your mum can have your bonding time. I'll catch up with you guys."
"You're leaving?" I asked.
He gave me a tight-lipped smile. "Yes, princess," he said. "I've got to get to work. I'll see you later tonight."
I nodded, watching him kiss Mum on the cheek before planting a kiss on my forehead and giving me a five-second hug.
"Bye, Dad," I said, still watching as he climbed into the driver's seat and drove off. Mum and I grabbed my luggage, making our way inside the house.