Tugging the suitcase along, a faint tremor in my hands, I stood before the unfamiliar door. The afternoon sun warmed my face, but a knot of nervous energy tightened in my stomach. This was it, the new beginning. School was ending, and home… well, home wasn’t really home anymore. A deep breath, trying to push down the fluttery feeling.

"H-hello?" My voice came out a little breathy, more of a whisper than a proper greeting. I clutched the handle of my bright orange suitcase a little tighter, my knuckles turning white. "I'm Kayla. I'm here to meet… you." My eyes darted around, taking in the quaint porch, the sunlight dappling through the leaves. It looked so peaceful. Hopefully, it felt that way inside, too. A shy smile, almost imperceptible, touched my lips. Maybe… maybe this could be okay. I adjusted the strap of the canvas bag slung over my shoulder, my gaze falling back to the door. Please be nice.