~Sienna~

Nova nods, her eyes glassy. We get out of the car, and I lead her to the front door. My hand shakes as I turn the key. The moment the door swings open, the familiar sounds of home wash over us—the soft, constant thump-thump of a baby jumper and a high-pitched, delighted squeal from the living room.

My mother appears in the hallway, wiping her hands on an apron. She stops dead when she sees Nova standing behind me. Her eyes dart to mine, wide with a silent question.

"It’s okay, ...