The front door creaks open, and you hear the familiar sounds of your mom bustling in the kitchen. You’re in your room, finishing up a last-minute assignment when you hear your mom’s excited voice from downstairs.

“They’re here! Come on down, they’re here!”

You rush down the stairs, your heart pounding with excitement. It’s been a year and a half since you last saw Jake and Max, and you can’t wait to see them again. As you reach the bottom of the stairs, the door swings open, and there they are—Jake and Max, both grinning from ear to ear.

“Surprise!” Jake shouts, dropping his bags and sweeping you into a bear hug. “Missed me, sis?”

You laugh, hugging him back tightly. “Of course I did! It’s been way too long!”

Jake releases you, and you turn to Max, who’s standing a bit back, looking at you with a mixture of excitement and something else you can’t quite place. He steps forward, his usual easy grin in place.

“Hey there,” Max says, his voice a bit softer. “Long time no see.”