[8 Years Ago]
The evening had come to a quiet close. Laughter faded down the hallway as Emeney, Xander, and Leo exited through the front door of Anya's cozy suburban home. She stood by the doorway, barefoot and in a simple blouse and shorts, the soft yellow light from inside spilling over the porch as she escorted her friends out.
"Thanks for coming, guys" Anya said with a bright smile, her hand clutching the doorframe.
"See you tomorrow!" Emeney beamed, waving.
"Later" Leo said, slinging his backpack over one shoulder.
Anya's eyes lingered on him. A quick glance. Then another. Her gaze softened unconsciously as she watched him speak, watched him walk. She stole those looks carefully, subtly, like secrets she couldn't say aloud. As they turned down the street, their voices fading into the distance, Anya slowly closed the door. The moment it shut, she leaned her back against it, her head tipping backward with a sigh that escaped her chest like a balloon losing air.
