As I pondered the reasoning for the energy in Grandma Jo's backyard, Lucas dashed out of the house, his face lit up with excitement. "Shana, you're back!"
I smiled at him, feeling a surge of relief at seeing him. "Hey, Lucas. Yeah, just got back from training."
He threw his arms around me, crushing me into him. I was a bit surprised by his actions. I had only been gone for a few hours.
As Lucas released me from his enthusiastic embrace, I noticed a glint of worry in his eyes, hidden behind his usual happy demeanor.
"I missed you," he said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. He said it quietly so Liam wouldn't hear.
"I missed you too," I replied, touched by his sincerity.
Despite the short time apart, it was comforting to know that my absence had b
