The sun is setting when the last of the bags are loaded Into my dad and brother’s SUVs. I stand on the steps, tucked under Emerson’s arm, watching the people I’ve only just begun to know say their goodbyes to my friends.
It’s surreal how quickly they went from strangers I didn’t want to meet to family I don’t want to say goodbye to. How easily I got used to the sound of Maisy and Daisy’s laughter echoing through the house, Theo’s corny jokes, or the way Penelope and Vivienne constantly bickered in that way only sisters can. I didn’t know I was missing any of that until I had it.
Now, they’re leaving and even though I have everything I could ever want right here with Emerson and my friends, this still feels like something worth grieving.
Nickolai is the first to break away from the grou
