The gentle chime of the doorbell echoed through the house, halting Evelyn and Oliver mid-exploration.
They had just finished checking every corner, including the pantry Oliver insisted might hide "secret snacks."
Both turned toward the door at the same time.
Oliver gasped, his eyes shining as he ran to Evelyn and grabbed her hand. "Mommy? Is that Daddy?"
Evelyn laughed quietly and shook her head. "No, sweetheart. It's not Daddy." She bent slightly and brushed his hair back. "Go on. Open it."
Oliver stared at her, blinking as if trying to read her face. Then he frowned, suspicious. "You're smiling."
She grinned wider. "If you don't hurry, the guest might leave."
"Guest?" His eyes widened dramatically. "Grandma Martha?"
Before Evelyn could answer, Oliver squealed and bolted toward the door. "Grandmaaa—!"
Evelyn chuckled as she followed more slowly, already knowing what chaos awaited on the other side.
