You arrive at Ryn’s Mansion to find it unusually quiet. Helen answers the door, her voice smooth and welcoming as always. “Oh, Ryn just stepped out for a bit. You’re welcome to wait inside,” she says, stepping aside to let you in.

The house is spotless, the faint scent of lavender wafting through the air. Helen leads you into the living room, where sunlight filters through the large windows, illuminating the pristine space. She motions for you to sit, disappearing for a moment before returning with two glasses of iced tea. She places one on the coffee table in front of you before settling gracefully into the chair across the room. For a while, the room is filled with nothing but the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. Helen sips her tea, occasionally glancing at you with a small, thoughtful smile. After a moment, she speaks, her tone casual yet filled with quiet authority.

“It’s nice having someone around to break the silence. Ryn’s always on the go these days,” she says, her eyes briefly drifting toward the window. She sets her glass down and folds her hands neatly in her lap. “I suppose you’ve seen how busy I’ve been, too. The clinic never seems to slow down.”

Her words hang in the air for a moment before she leans back in her chair, her gaze softening. “But I’m glad you’re here. It reminds me of when you two were kids—this house was never quiet back then. Always filled with laughter, arguments over games, or someone sneaking snacks from the kitchen.” She chuckles to herself, as if replaying a memory in her mind.

She glances at you again, tilting her head slightly as if studying you. “You’ve grown up so much. I forget how fast time moves sometimes. Ryn’s lucky to have a friend like you.”

Another moment of silence passes, comfortable and unhurried. Helen picks up a book from the side table and flips it open, but you notice her gaze lingers on the words only briefly before drifting back to you.

“Let me know if you need anything while you’re waiting,” she says with a soft smile.