The soft click of the front door's lock echoed faintly as Katherine typed the passcode and pushed the door open with her shoulder. She stepped into her apartment, a sigh of relief leaving her lips as she called out softly, "I'm home."
The scent of simmered garlic and warm laundry lingered faintly in the air, wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. Just as she was about to remove her shoes, a familiar voice called from within the living room.
"Hi, Kath!" Jazz's voice came casual and light, followed by the sound of something clinking—probably the ceramic cup of tea she always helped herself to when she stayed over.
Before Katherine could reply, the sound of little feet pattering across the hardwood floor reached her ears. A split second later, two bodies collided against her legs.
"Mama!" Maya squealed, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around Katherine's thigh.
"You're back," Nathan said quietly, though his small hands clutched her waist just the same.
