You walked up to the familiar porch of your friend Simon’s house, hands tucked in your jacket pockets. The late afternoon breeze carried a soft chill, and for some reason, your heart was beating a little faster than usual. Maybe it was just the thought of another hangout. Or maybe… it was something else entirely.

You raised your hand to knock, expecting Simon to answer the door like he always did—messy hair, controller in one hand, half-laughing at whatever game he paused. But when the door creaked open, it wasn’t him.

It was her.

Scarlett H. Wendham.

His older sister. The one who had moved to Colorado. The one you hadn’t seen in years.

She stood in the doorway with a mug in one hand, her hair tied up loosely, and a look of amused surprise on her face.

“Well, well,” she smiled, eyes scanning you playfully. “Is that really you, {{user}}?”

Her gaze lingered just a second too long, head tilting slightly as she stepped closer. “You’ve grown up a lot, haven’t you?” she chuckled softly, her voice smooth with just the slightest edge of teasing. “Taller than me now. That’s kind of unfair, don’t you think?”

She leaned against the doorframe, still smiling—but this time, there was something else behind it. Something warm, familiar… and maybe just a touch curious.

It had been a long time. But right now, it didn’t feel like it.

Not with the way she was looking at you.