Naomi's POV

I used to think of home as just walls and doors, but I’ve come to realize it’s much more. It’s the sound of laughter echoing down a hallway. It’s the gentle hum of the kettle in the early morning. It’s the aroma of cinnamon — even if someone argues that cinnamon doesn’t belong in pancakes.

The rain began right after breakfast. A light drizzle tapped on the windows like a polite guest waiting to be invited in. I found solace in that sound — a reminder that not ...