Entering back into the house, Liam followed the quiet tug of Elsie's presence threading through the halls like a familiar scent carried on a breeze. He moved with steady purpose as he walked down the hallways and after a few turns and a faint hum of conversation, he rounded a corner that opened into the corridor leading toward the kitchen.
The warm light spilling from within guided his eyes forward. There, just ahead, stood Ms. Rose, her posture relaxed and welcoming as always. In front of her were two young women, both dressed in attire Liam immediately recognized—brown and beige tones, comforting in their familiarity and unchanged style. Even from behind, even with the slight differences brought on by time, he knew exactly who they were. A year apart hadn't dulled that recognition; if anything, it sharpened it. Their silhouettes were as familiar as old memories he had tucked away.
