Keeping up with the Tanners'...

Nathan

I trudged up the path to my house, my muscles aching from the long patrol with Alpha Logan.

I stopped halfway to reply to Lyla's text. It's been more than a week since she left and we've talked every day since then. Mostly texting and occasional video calls but I was glad she was doing well.

I was processing my application to request a pass to the human world, once that comes through, I could go every weekend to visit her and return before the beginning of the new week. No one would notice I ever left.

As I reached the front door of my house, a familiar scent wafted through the air, making me pause. The sweet aroma of curry stew filled my nostrils, a scent I hadn't perceived in months. My stomach rumbled in response – I would not be having pancakes for dinner again and a smile crept across my face as I rushed inside.