When Ethan returned home, night had fallen, the soft glow of streetlights illuminating the quiet neighborhood. The drive had been peaceful, and he had told Jessica to leave her car at the office for the night. Mark, ever reliable, would pick her up for work in the morning.
It was the least he could do after a long and eventful day. As Ethan stepped inside his house, he was greeted by the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. The soft hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes filled the air, and he saw his family bustling about in the kitchen, preparing dinner.
He walked calmly toward them, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Hey, everyone," he greeted his voice a mixture of exhaustion and contentment.
