_Zarelle’s POV_
Ryan enveloped Jericho in a bear hug, nearly lifting him off the ground.
“Bro, welcome back!”
His enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile at the scene.
Merek emerged from the living room, wielding a feather duster like a weapon, his voice booming through the entrance hall. “Stop fooling around! Jericho’s going to be home any second. I want you to clean up—”
He stopped mid-sentence when he saw us standing there.
His eyes widened, then softened immediately.
Seeing Jericho, he approached with excitement, his stern expression melting away completely.
“Jericho!”
The feather duster clattered to the floor, forgotten.
Jericho hugged our father, a rare smile on his face.
It was small, barely there, but I saw it.
Dad’s eyes glist
