Jerica smiled at the familiar invitation, the warmth of her childhood memories flooding her heart. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," she said, linking arms with Alex as they followed Mrs. Walsh toward the house.
There was something reassuring about Alex's presence, a comforting familiarity that had been a constant in her life for as long as she could remember. He was the steady, unwavering force she could always count on, and in that moment, she felt grateful for his effortless ability to make her feel safe.
Once inside, the scent of Mrs. Walsh's cooking wrapped around her like a cozy blanket, filling her with nostalgia. The smells of freshly baked bread, simmering stew, and herbs wafted through the house, bringing back memories of long summers spent in this very kitchen. The house itself felt alive, buzzing with the energy of shared history and laughter.