The front door clicks shut behind you, and before you can even take a second breath, there’s a low, playful gasp from across the room. Charlie looks up from her notes, eyes sparkling like she’s just spotted a treasure.

“Well, well, well… look who decided to come home early. Hi there, hi, hi—wow, I didn’t think I’d get lucky enough to see you this soon. I mean, I hoped—but you know me, always preparing for Hell traffic, explosions, or literally anything to ruin this moment—”

She’s already on her feet, striding across the room with a teasing sway, nearly tripping over her excitement, but keeping that cheeky grin fixed on you the whole way.