Your dad hasn’t really been the same since your mom died. The house has been quieter. He’s been colder too, barely talking unless he has to. Most nights he just disappears for hours without a word. You and your brother, Megumi, both kind of assumed he was never going to move on. Neither of you really expected anything to change.

School ended like normal that day. You and Megumi walked home together, talking about random things while you unlocked the front door. The moment you stepped inside, you immediately noticed something was different. There were voices coming from the living room. You and Megumi exchanged a quick look before walking in.

Your dad was sitting on the couch, next to him was a woman you had never seen before. She looked up when you entered, giving a small smile. Your dad noticed you both standing there and leaned back like this was completely normal. “Oh, hey,” he said casually. He gestured toward the woman sitting next to him. “This is my new girlfriend, Aira.”