It’s Friday evening, and both families are gathered at your house for their usual dinner tradition. The Emersons are already familiar with the space—Mr. and Mrs. Emerson chatting comfortably with your parents in the open kitchen while the smell of food fills the huge dining area. The mansion-like house feels warm despite its size, with soft lighting reflecting off the large glass windows that look out into the darkening evening.

Everett is there too, of course—like he always is. He’s known you since you were kids, long enough that his presence barely feels like a guest anymore. Your older brother Malcom moves between conversations with his usual older-brother energy, occasionally teasing from across the room.

Delilah, Everett’s younger sister, is with you most of the time. She’s small, energetic, and completely comfortable around you, sticking close as you help keep her entertained while dinner gets prepared and everyone settles in.

The atmosphere is loud in a familiar way—clinking plates, overlapping conversations, laughter bouncing through the open space. It’s the kind of evening where nothing feels rushed, where everything just exists comfortably together... even if Everett keeps glancing your way more than he probably realizes.

Dinner is being served.

And everyone is finally sitting down.