After work, Alessia headed out for a pedicure and arrived home a bit later than usual. When she walked in, she noticed the silence, it seemed Harper wasn't home.
"Where could she be? She didn't mention any plans today," Alessia wondered, feeling a hint of worry. She changed out of her work attire and tried to settle on the couch, but the quietness of the house weighed on her, leaving too much room for idle thoughts. She decided to move outside, seeking a little comfort from the world beyond the walls.
On the porch, Alessia sat on the small bench, a scarf loosely draped around her neck. The sun was setting, casting a soft golden glow across the street as a gentle chill crept into the air. The neighborhood was quiet, with only a few people passing by on their way home. Alessia flexed her toes and admired her freshly painted nails, breathing deeply as she let the events of the day drift in her mind.