The wooden door frame was rickety, all thanks to our reckless Earthen neighbours. Its hinges had been jarred out of place, taking loose screws with them. So, now, every time the wind blew, the metal squeaked, and the wood rattled left, right, up and down, using every gap to try to wrench itself free.
Cali made to open the door but hesitated when the handle twisted too far in her hand.
'I'll fix it while you're gone, even if I have to prop the thing up or replace it with barrier magic.'
'Why can't we ever see each other without drama swiftly following behind?'
'Mom, where'd the fun be in that?'
I could tell Cali wanted to say more, but with my mother watching from the street, I, too, felt a bit awkward. Instead, she settled with patting me on the shoulder. 'We'll be back soon, and Jake?'
I followed her gaze to the bar. 'Don't go getting hammered without me.'
'Or at all.' My mother added, now out of sight.
