Time Off

{Melisa}

Melisa stood before Javir's manor, her bag slung over her shoulder and a determined set to her jaw.

[Well, here goes nothing,] she thought, taking a deep breath before pushing open the door.

The familiar scent of home washed over her as she stepped inside. For a moment, Melisa felt a pang of nostalgia. It had been a while since she'd spent more than a night or two here, busy as she'd been at the academy. 

"Melisa!" 

"Oof!" 

Before she could even set her bag down, a purple blur slammed into her midsection. Melisa grunted, staggering back a step as Hazel wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug.

"Hey, squirt," Melisa laughed, ruffling her little sister's hair. "Miss me?"

Hazel nodded eagerly, her tail swinging like a puppy's. 

"Melisa?" Margaret's voice called from the kitchen. A moment later, her mother appeared, wiping her hands on a dishcloth.