Sienna

The house felt a little too quiet after Mom and Dad left for work — that soft hush that only came when adults were gone. The clink of dishes from breakfast had faded, and sunlight poured in through the curtains, warm and lazy.

Ezra had made himself comfortable, sitting cross-legged on the couch, controller in hand, completely in his element. Jaxon sat beside him, leaning forward, eyes locked on the screen as they played a soccer game.

“Bro, you still suck at defense,” Ezra teased, laughing as he scored another goal.

Jaxon groaned. “Man, that was pure luck!”

Ezra smirked. “Luck? Nah, skill. You’re just rusty.”

Their laughter filled...