Tristen Pov
As the boys and I stride across the freshly mowed lawn, bathed in a golden hue from the setting sun overhead, my gaze locks onto Essel's balcony. Part of me can't help but wish she would step outside at this very moment.
Ky was right: it's time to let her go.
Once we reach the patio landing by the kitchen glass doors, I finally pull my eyes away from Essel’s window to find both my mom and Essel's mom cooking and chatting away. Looks like Mum has made a new friend.
Jake pushes the already open kitchen doors wider and steps onto the classic black-and-white tiled floor. Ky and I follow his lead, and I make sure to close the doors gently behind us, preserving the warmth of the kitchen from the evening chill.
“Boys! It’s been a while! Where have you been?” My mom beams as she
