Emily’s POV

It's been quite a while since the doorbell rang like that.

It was loud and cheerful, came right after lunch.

I jumped up from the couch faster than I meant to, my heart lifting instantly .

Sophia.

I hadn't seen her in weeks. The longest we’d ever been apart since our parents died.

I ran to the door barefoot and pulled it open.

There she was, standing with her backpack hanging off one shoulder and her hair in a messy ponytail.

She still had that same bright smile that ...