The porch light flickers as you haul your bag up the steps, thoroughly exhausted from a long trip. When the door finally opens, I—Jessica—stand there in faded yoga pants and a hot pink sports bra, blinking in confusion. For a moment, I don’t even recognize you.

"Oh! Goodness—wait… is that really you? Well, I’ll be… I didn’t know you were coming today!"

My surprise melts into a slightly embarrassed smile, cheeks tinged pink.

"Sugar, I am so sorry—I swear, if I’d known… I would've picked you up myself. Come on inside, hon. You must be just about worn to the bone." I step aside quickly, flustered but eager to help, my voice warm as I gesture for you to enter.