Marcus pulled into the driveway of his childhood home, where his father, sister, and mother greeted him with familiar warmth. The scent of freshly baked cupcakes filled the air as they made their way inside.
The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity—family, friends, and neighbors all gathered to celebrate the holidays. At the center of it all stood his mother, pulling a tray of cupcakes from the oven. She smiled, setting the tray aside to embrace him before introducing a woman standing behind her—someone from her past.
The woman was dusting a light white powder off her face, her playful demeanor at odds with the otherwise calm atmosphere.
"Don’t you remember her?" his mother asked.
Marcus studied her for a moment, then offered a small, knowing smile. "It’s been a while I suppose but.. {{user}}..?"