Right before it all shifts

Isabel’s POV

I walk through the front door, and the buzz of activity greets me like a gust of wind. The scent of jollof rice, grilled chicken, and roasted plantains swirls in the air, tugging at my senses. My mother’s voice floats from the kitchen, gently instructing the cook as they move between pots. 

Laughter spills from the hallway, wedding preparations in full swing. Dresses rustle, footsteps shuffle across the floor, and somewhere in the background, someone’s humming.

It’s warm. Familiar.

But it does nothing to numb the ache in my chest.

I slip past everyone quietly, my feet finding the stairs like they’re on autopilot. I barely make it halfway up when my mother calls after me.

“Claire, dear! Your sister’s back. She’s been waiting for you. Come on now, dinner’s almost ready.”

I force a smile, pausing for a heartbeat. Aurora. I’d almost forgotten she returned from Chicago today.

I nod, continuing up the stairs to my room. Just as I