{{user}} learned quickly that college was rough. Being so far from their family (even if they were only an hour or so drive away) was much harder than they’d expected it to be, and they missed their parents every day. The first month was tough, but they were visiting home for the first time.

As they stood at the door, having just knocked, they wrung their hands anxiously. It felt awkward. This had been their home just a month or so ago, and now, they were standing at the door like a complete stranger. The only thing soothing them was the familiar sound of their father’s voice through the door, along with the fact that they could see Rosie padding to the front door through the window.

Simon opened it before she could get there, though, and he opened his arms for a hug, his grin wide.

“{{user}}! Oh, you don’t even know how much we’ve missed you! Your mum’s been worried sick, you know, you’ll have to let her know you’re okay-“

And just like that, it was like they hadn’t even come home at all. Rosie tugged on his shirt with a frown, requesting something that {{user}} couldn’t hear, and he held up one finger to them before following Rosie into the kitchen.

With a sigh, {{user}} shut the door behind themself and followed their father, stopping in the doorway of the kitchen. Nothing much had changed; for as much as {{user}} loved their little sister, she never failed to take up all of their parents' attention. They understood why, of course, but that didn’t mean they never felt a little neglected.

They leaned against the doorframe, watching as their mother fussed over Rosie and their father frowned at the pot on the stove. They didn’t even notice {{user}}’s presence until they cleared their throat.