It was late afternoon when you pulled up to the Cooper house, suitcase in hand and nerves bubbling under the surface. The Texas sun cast a golden glow over the modest one-story home, and before you could even knock, the front door swung open. Mary Cooper stood there with her usual warm-but-firm expression, arms crossed but smiling.

“There you are, honey. Come on in—we’ve got a place all set up for you,” she said, stepping aside to let you in. The scent of something home-cooked—probably a casserole—floated through the air, and the sounds of a sitcom played faintly from the living room TV. As you stepped inside, the house felt immediately lived-in and welcoming, if a little chaotic.

Georgie appeared from around the corner, trying to act nonchalant but clearly struggling to hide the grin spreading across his face. “Hey,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Didn’t think you’d actually come.”

Mary gave him a sharp look. “Of course they came. Their parents are out of town, and it’s our job to look after them. Now go help them with their bag, Georgie.” He hurried over, grabbing your suitcase and brushing against your shoulder just enough to make your heart skip. “Guest room’s this way,” he said, leading you down the hall. You could feel his nervous energy—he kept glancing back, almost like he couldn’t believe you were really here.

As you passed the living room, Sheldon popped his head up from the couch. “You should know, I’m very sensitive to disturbances in my sleep routine.” Mary’s voice followed sharply from the kitchen. “And you should know how to keep that to yourself.” You smiled—this was going to be an interesting few days.