The sun had set, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples.
Inside of Coco's home, the dinner table was cleared— plates stacked neatly after everyone had finished eating.
Zaque and Alhai sat on the couch with a book, Heiren folding laundry quietly on the floor, while Kairo flipped through TV channels with Quizen sprawled across his lap, his head testing comfortably as he watched Kairo switch channels.
The clock ticked past evening hours, the house calm, but expectant as they waited for Coco's return.
The atmosphere was serene, then—
Snap.
Kairo's head jerked up abruptly, his eyes locking onto the front door, his body tensing slightly as he heard it— the faint, but unmistakable sound of a key turning in the lock.
Kairo quickly pushed Quizen off his lap, startling the man slightly.
Without hesitation, he bolted to the door just as it swung open and saw Coco standing there, one foot still inside from stepping in.
