*Lucas*

The moment I crossed the threshold, Mom was on me like a storm itself, her hug full of the emotions she felt for me. Her embrace was tight and unyielding as if she could somehow will away the danger we'd just escaped.

"Thank goodness, you're alright," she sobbed against my cheek. I held her back, letting the familiar scent of her lavender perfume ground me after the chaos of the storm. It felt right to be home.

As Mom's grip loosened, she ...