When Claire arrived home, the clock had already struck ten.
She pushed the door open gently, and a soft, golden glow flooded the hallway. Her mother, Lana Brooks, sat on the sofa, deeply engrossed in a book. Hearing the sound, she glanced up, and a warm smile instantly lit up her face. "Claire, you're finally home?"
Lana closed her book with care and headed to the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a piping-hot bowl of soup. "Come, have some soup to warm yourself up."
Claire took the bowl with a quiet "thank you" and sipped the soup. The warmth spread through her as she said softly, "Mom, I got back a little late today. I went to the airport to pick up Candy."
Lana's lips curved into a smile. "Candy's back? How long is she staying this time?"
Claire smiled faintly, the warmth o
