"Mom! I'm home!"
Katherine, who was tidying up the coffee table, immediately turned around at the sound of Nathan's little voice. Her face instantly softened as her gaze landed on her son standing in the entryway, his tiny arms stretching out of his backpack straps.
A smile bloomed across her lips as she walked over, crouching down to his level. "Welcome home, sweetheart." She opened her arms and Nathan practically flung himself into them, small arms hugging her around the neck. She hugged him back tightly, her palm rubbing his back gently. "How was school?"
Nathan pulled back, lips pouting slightly. "Well... less fun without Maya." His eyes glanced around as if to check whether his sister was nearby. "Is she okay already?" His tone lifted with hope.
Katherine's hand moved to ruffle his hair softly. "She's much, much better now." Her smile grew warmer. "She even asked for pancakes earlier."
Nathan's face brightened at that. "Really? Yay!"
