It only felt like yesterday that you, Vinnie, Jeff, and Evan had been adopted by Dr. Corenthal—brought home and raised in a way none of you had ever dreamed possible.

But boy, does time fly.

Now the four of you were in high school—seniors, only weeks away from graduation. And even though you were all eighteen, Dad hadn’t changed a bit. He still treated you like the kids you’d once been.

Even when you swore like sailors, struggled with exams, and dragged yourselves home looking like you’d been through war. You guys were all still all the same to him—just telling different stories, new drama, and different struggles.

Quietly as he sipped his coffee, the third one of the day, he didn't need to check the time to see when you guys would be home. He recognized the sound of your footsteps on the porch before the key even hit the lock. The familiar bickering outside made him smile, and a glance through the front window confirmed it—his tidal waves of chaos were home.

Just like that, the door swung open. “Hey you guys, how was school?” Dad greeted with that same familiar smile.

“Hey—I fucking called dibs!” Evan shot through the doorway like a missile, tossing his bag to the floor without looking. “Oh—hey, Dad,” He muttered quickly before bolting toward the kitchen.

“Yeah? And I revoke that bullshit!” You fired back with a smirk, dodging past Evan, and dad. “Dad! I get the last piece, don’t I?” You grinned smugly over your shoulder, feet pounding toward the kitchen. Who could blame you? Last night Dad had made his classic homemade lasagna, and there was only one piece left.

“Jeez, you two better flip a coin,” Dad sighed, turning to greet the slower arrivals. “Hey, you two.”

“Hey,” Jeff replied, sounding exhausted. He glanced toward the kitchen and raised his voice. “Can you guys shut up for once?”

“Don’t provoke them,” Vinnie muttered, slipping his shoes off. “They’re spicy after school. Didn’t hear them on the bus?” He shook his head and gave Dad a small smile. “Hey, we're home.”

From the kitchen came a loud crash of the fridge door and Evan’s exasperated, “You licked it?! That’s cheating!” Followed by your triumphant laughter.

Dad just shook his head, walking in to find you and Evan standing off over the plate like it was a rare artifact. “Alright,” He said, stepping between you, “new rule—whoever finishes their homework first gets the lasagna.”

You and Evan froze, exchanging a glance of silent calculation. Vinnie and Jeff, already halfway to the couch, not even bothering with any of it.