The day unfolded with Ethan having already departed in haste before dawn, driven by the demands of a case he was working on at the Michigan Police Department, where he had recently transferred to. The early morning darkness still lingered as he sped away, his focus solely on solving the complex puzzle that lay before him.
Meanwhile, Eric had left home just a short while ago, heading out to explore the library in the new neighborhood, eager to discover its vast collection of books and resources. He walked briskly, taking in the sights and sounds of the morning, the crisp air refreshing him as he made his way to the library.
In contrast, Elvis was confined to his room, laying in his bed, nursing the injuries he had sustained the previous day. His ankle throbbed with every slight movement, a painful reminder of his mishap. He winced slightly as he shifted positions, trying to find a more comfortable spot.
Back in the kitchen, Emily was enjoying her day off, spending quality time with Elena as they tried to fix something to eat. The warmth and aromas of cooking filled the air, mingling with the sounds of sizzling food and gentle chatter. They worked together, their hands moving in sync as they prepared a meal, the kitchen filled with the warmth and comfort of a lazy Saturday morning.
EMILY: Sweetheart, I'll need you to help me get these at the grocery store. Two jars of sugar, a jar of jam, three bags of flour, peanut butter and uhm... I guess we might need some lobsters and cinnamon spices too. We'd run out of them soon.
ELENA: Alright.
EMILY: Do you need to write them down?
ELENA: Nope, I got it.
EMILY: Here's 40 bucks.
(Handing the money to Elena) shop according to your discretion, I trust your judgement.
ELENA: Okay mom. I'll be on my way.
EMILY: I think there's someone at the door.
ELENA: I'll get it. (Walking to the door)
Oh my geez!
Elena's eyes widen in surprise as she opens the door to reveal Zoey standing on the porch. With a warm smile, Elena ushers her into the house, introducing her to her mom as they exchanged friendly greetings. After a brief chat, Zoey offers to join Elena on her grocery shopping trip, and together they head out.
Outside.
"Hey Elena"
ELENA: Hey neighbor.
She eyes Tyler who's at the front of the Holmes fence picking up a newspaper dropped by the newspaper vendor who passes by routinely.
TYLER: Seriously? You still insist on calling me neighbor? You remember my name, don't you?
ELENA: Yeah, I remember. But I'll stick to "neighbor" for now.
TYLER: Why? what's the deal?
ELENA: Until you stop being so irritating, I'll keep calling you neighbor.
TYLER: Guess that means I'll be "neighbor" forever then. (He chuckles and heads back inside)
ZOEY: He's actually kind of amusing.
ELENA: What? He's infuriating! You have no idea what he did to me yesterday.
ZOEY: Do tell.
ELENA: He came up to me by the boundary fence and said "I know you got blue panties on". And the worst part is, he was spot on. I have no idea how he knew, but it was super embarrassing.
ZOEY: No way! That's outrageous! What a creep!
ELENA: I know, right? I was mortified.
ZOEY: Speaking of which, how's Elvis doing? His injury, I mean.
ELENA: He's fine. Everyone's making a big deal out of nothing. It's just a sprained ankle.
ZOEY: Well, Elvis is a tough cookie. He'll bounce back.
ELENA: I'm still worried about him, though.
ZOEY: Why's that?
ELENA: He was really looking forward to joining the school team, and then my dad banned him on his first day of practice.
ZOEY: Is it because of the injury?
ELENA: Yeah, that's right. My dad wants him to focus on his studies before he can join the team.
ZOEY: Don't lose faith in Elvis. Nothing's impossible. I was on the verge of failing 4th grade, but my dad believed in me and pushed me to study harder.
ELENA: I'd love to meet your dad sometime. He sounds amazing.
ZOEY: You can't... (pausing briefly) He's no longer with us. He passed away last year.
ELENA: Oh, Zoey, I'm so sorry. Come here. (She gives Zoey a tight hug)