35: Avery goes home .

Avery entered the house—the one that was hers, the one that still smelled like fresh flowers, warm bread, and faint nostalgia. The moment she stepped in, the familiar scent of home wrapped around her like a blanket, grounding her faster than any deep breath could. Just as she placed her bag on the console, she heard footsteps echoing down the wooden staircase.

Elias was descending, dressed in a crisp white hoodie and dark joggers, his hair messy in a way that only seemed intentional. Avery's eyes lit up as she caught sight of him.

"Hey, Ely! How you doing?" she chirped, flashing a grin so wide it could split her face.

Elias looked up, and for a fleeting second, a warm smile crossed his face. But just as quickly, it disappeared, replaced with an expression of exaggerated annoyance. "I'm your older brother. Stop calling me Ely," he grumbled, brushing past her as if she were thin air.

Avery gasped, clutching her imaginary pearls in mock offense. How dare he!