Maya stepped closer and hugged Lucas tightly. Her body pressed fully against his, her soft chest against his own, and her breath warm and close to his ear.
Lucas froze. There was something off about this hug. Warm, yes, but something else lingered—a feeling that sent shivers down his spine.
"I-I missed you too, Mom," Lucas said softly, trying to keep his composure.
But Maya didn't let go immediately. Her hands instead moved gently across Lucas's back, stroking him softly as if trying to soothe him—or perhaps, something else.
Lucas felt his body tense up. "Mom… can we talk in the living room instead? I… I'm tired."
Maya finally released him slowly, though her face remained uncomfortably close to his. The faint smile on her lips was visible under the living room's dim light.
"Of course, Lucas. Let's sit down."
---
