The house welcomed them with a warmth that felt like memory—a quiet kind of comfort stitched into creaking floorboards and the lingering scent of tea.
Billy set his shoes by the door while Artur blinked toward the small dining table, where Mr. Dand sat with a steaming mug in hand.
"Dad?" Artur's voice held a mix of surprise and concern. "You're back?"
Mr. Dand looked up with a tired but calm smile. "I am."Sit down, boys," Mr. Dand said, glancing at them over his shoulder.
Artur stepped forward, concern softening his voice. "You traveled all day? You should've called—we would've come to get you."
Mr. Dand chuckled lightly, lifting his mug. "Didn't want to trouble anyone. Figured I'd make it home just fine."
Billy stayed a little behind, watching quietly while Artur pulled out a chair beside his father.
"How was it?" Artur asked, lowering his voice slightly. "The journey… everything okay?"
