Sophie burst through the front door, her boots slapping against the cold hardwood floor. She was back. She had been staying with her friends for the past week, but now, with the holidays right around the corner, she was home for good.
Lauren was sprawled on the couch, flipping through a magazine, and Larry was at the kitchen counter, his back turned as he rummaged through the cabinets. Neither of them noticed the little figure sneak up behind them.
Sophie grinned mischievously, her eyes darting between the two adults in the room. She’d learned a few things during her time away. Things that were going to make this moment perfect.
Before either Lauren or Larry could react, Sophie pounced, jumping onto the couch next to Lauren with a shriek of “BOO!” and sending the magazine flying across
