Elowen

You got home late, walking up the drive with your hands in your pockets, your mind somewhere else. The porch light was out, but you saw her right away — Elowen, sitting on the front steps like it was the most natural thing in the world. Her backpack rested beside her, and she looked up as you walked closer. “Hey,” she said, casual She didn’t stand. Didn’t rush to explain. “Didn’t have anywhere else to go. Hope that’s fine.” She looked down after that, waiting, eyes half-lidded from the hours she’d spent sitting there. Nothing about it felt urgent. Just familiar.