Illyra stood outside the tree she had grown up in. The windows in the kitchen glowed with a soft light.
She’d longed to return home, and feel the dirt and leaves on her feet. Now that she stood there, her heart was too heavy in her chest to truly enjoy it.
Sighing, Illyra let herself in.
Calista was in the kitchen. She stared out the window above the sink. Whatever was in the oven, the smell bordered on burning.
“Calista?” Illyra asked.
“Oh!” the older fae jumped, grabbing her chest.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Illyra said. She rushed in and grabbed Calista’s wrists.
“How did you… how are you here? The last time I saw you…” Calista’s eyes brimmed with tears. She sniffled and hugged Illyra against her.
“I’m home now,” Illyra whispered, running fingers through Calista’s wavy brown hair.
“How did you get away?” Calista asked. She stepped away from Illyra and ran to the oven, pulling the smoking mess out.