The bell above the café door chimed softly as it opened.
Frida looked up from the counter, her tired expression instantly melting into a smile.
"Oh, thank goodness—you're both here," she said, her voice warm with relief.
Caden and Carl turned around. Standing in the doorway were two young women with jet-black hair, nearly dressed and carrying a large box between them.
Both girls grinned and said in unison, "We're home… Mum."
Frida's eyes brightened. She rushed forward, wiping her flour-dusted hands on her apron before pulling them both into a tight embrace. "My girls," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "You've grown even more beautiful."
Caden and Carl stood awkwardly behind the counter, watching the scene unfold. One of the girls—Cassy—looked over at them and teased, "Well? Aren't you going to say hello to your big sister?"
The other girl, Tulia, crossed her arms dramatically. "Look at them, Cassy. They don't even look happy to see us. Maybe we should just leave."
