Morning light spilled across the Keller residence, bathing it in golden warmth. But unlike most mornings, there was a spark of excited chaos in the air.
The usually quiet house echoed with hurried footsteps, suitcase zippers, and laughter.
"Where's my backpack?" Hope shouted from her room.
Asher ran down the hall holding two plushies—one a lion, the other a shark. "Hope! You forgot Sharky!"
"Coming!" she yelled back, dashing over to snatch it from his hands.
In the kitchen, Elena was laying out plates of toast, eggs, and fresh fruit. The aroma of hot chai filled the air.
"Breakfast is ready!" she called over her shoulder, checking the stovetop one last time.
Just then, the front door opened. Miles stepped in, wiping sweat from his brow after an early morning run, his black training hoodie clinging to his frame.
Elena raised an eyebrow at him. "You better take a bath quickly. You're not boarding a plane smelling like a battlefield."
