**Eight Months Later**
Aria
"Aria, get your ass downstairs already! You're gonna be late for your first day of college!" Aunt Esther yells from the kitchen.
"I'm coming!" I shout back, rolling my eyes as I smooth my hands over my hair. With one last glance in the mirror, I nod in approval. Palazzo pants and a chiffon blouse—casual yet elegant. Perfect.
By the time I reach the kitchen, Aunt Esther has already set the table. The smell of pancakes fills the air, and my stomach does a happy little flip.
"Come sit down," she says, motioning to the plate. "I made your favorite…pancakes."
I sigh, shaking my head. "You didn't have to, Aunt Esther. I'm already late." Even as I say that, I grab one and take a huge bite.
"Let me see you." She’s already reaching for my hair, smoothing it down
