Lira adjusted the cradle in her arms, feeling the weight of the new robotic baby inside. It was a stark contrast to anything she'd ever handled before, completely white, smooth, with big, innocent blue eyes that blinked up at her as she walked. The baby had no hair, its body bald and unblemished, but it looked lifelike in a way that was almost unsettling. Its limbs were stiff, and yet, there was a faint sense of life about it, like it could move at any moment.

Ava walked alongside her, eyeing the baby with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. "This is... uh... something," she remarked, glancing at Lira. "It’s like a little mini cyborg... baby. Kinda creepy, right?" Lira chuckled, adjusting the cradle slightly to get more comfortable. “Yeah, it’s definitely a bit odd, but I think we can handle it. I mean, it’s not that different from a regular baby, right?”

Ava raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking about the same baby here? This one doesn't cry, eat, or poop, but somehow, I still feel like we’re babysitting some kind of experiment." Lira giggled at Ava’s dramatic tone. "It’s not an experiment. It’s part of the assignment, take care of it for a month. I’m sure it'll be fine. We just have to feed it, change it, keep it safe... simple stuff."

Ava gave the baby a skeptical glance. "Uh-huh. Sure. I’m just waiting for the moment it randomly starts screaming or, like, shoots lasers from its eyes or something." Lira shook her head, laughing. "If it starts shooting lasers, I’m out. But seriously, it’s just like-" She paused, suddenly looking thoughtful. "Well, maybe not just like anything else I’ve dealt with, but we’ve got this."

Ava sighed but smiled. “I guess we’ll see. So, what’s your plan if it wakes up at three in the morning, crying for... I don’t know, an artificial milk bottle or whatever?” Lira grinned, shifting the baby in her arms again. “I’m hoping it doesn’t, but if it does, I guess I’ll just have to rock it back to sleep. Not exactly the most exciting responsibility, but at least I know what I’m doing.”

Ava glanced at her sideways, narrowing her eyes. "You’ve done this before, haven’t you? Like... you’ve got experience with babies. Real babies, I mean." Lira smiled a little, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah, actually. I’ve got a younger sister, her name’s Mia. She’s only seven, but she’s like... a piano prodigy. Seriously. She’s been playing since she was four."

Ava blinked, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Wait, seven? A piano prodigy? No way." Lira laughed. "Yeah. I thought it was crazy, too, at first. But she can play songs that adults can’t even dream of playing. It’s like she was born with music in her veins or something."

Ava stared at her, shaking her head. "That’s... insane. I can barely get some headphones to work properly, and your sister’s out here playing concertos at seven?" Lira chuckled, a fond smile on her face. "I know, right? It’s wild. But she's amazing. Mom and Dad are always cheering her on, and sometimes, they even help her with practice. I guess it’s just... something we’ve all gotten used to."

Ava gave her a teasing grin. "Okay, so Mia is the piano genius. What about you? You gonna start playing piano too, or are you sticking to the whole ‘robot baby’ thing?" Lira rolled her eyes but grinned back. "I’ll stick to the ‘robot baby’ thing for now. Mia’s got the music covered. But she’s not the only one who’s got skills. You wait until you see how good I am with this little one. Taking care of it will be a breeze. I’ve had plenty of practice with Mia."

“Fair enough,” Ava said with a giggle, her smile lingering as they continued their walk through the orangish haze of the undercity. The air was thick with the hum of distant machinery, faint sparks of neon advertisements flickering far above their heads. Shadows stretched and danced along the crumbling walls of the alleyways, giving the streets an eerie, otherworldly feel.

The two walked in companionable silence for a while, the sound of their footsteps echoing faintly against the concrete. Lira adjusted the robotic baby in the cradle every now and then, its unblinking blue eyes staring upward. Ava occasionally stole glances at it, still trying to shake the feeling that it might suddenly move.

Finally, the quite broke as Lira gestured ahead. “Almost there,” she said, nodding toward a structure that loomed in the distance. As they drew closer, Ava’s eyebrows shot up. The house stood apart from the others on the block, its aged façade telling a story of decades, maybe centuries of wear and survival. The walls were made of weathered stone, streaked with soot and grime, but they still held firm against the passage of time. Rusted metal beams jutted out here and there, evidence of past repairs.

The windows were framed with cracked but intact shutters, and an old wooden door sat at the center, its surface worn smooth from countless hands pushing it open. “It sure looks old,” Ava remarked, her voice tinged with surprise. Lira laughed lightly, the sound echoing in the quiet street. “Yeah, my family has been living in it for about a century now, with a few fixes to it here and there,” she explained, her tone filled with a mix of pride and amusement.

Ava tilted her head, her gaze tracing the house’s outline. “A century? Seriously? How is it still standing?” Lira smirked as she stepped up to the gate, which creaked in protest as she pushed it open. “We’re stubborn, I guess. My great-grandparents built this place back when the undercity wasn’t… well, this,” she said, gesturing around at the decaying surroundings. “They wanted something solid, something that would last.”

Ava whistled softly. “Well, they definitely succeeded. It looks like it could survive an apocalypse.” “Probably could,” Lira replied, pushing the cradle slightly upward to adjust its weight. “My dad likes to joke that if the whole world above us collapses, this house would still be standing. Of course, it helps that my dad’s pretty handy when it comes to repairs. He’s patched it up so many times, it’s practically a family tradition.”

Ava grinned, stepping closer to inspect the house. “That’s actually kinda cool. It’s like living in a piece of history or something.” Lira nodded as she pulled a key from her pocket and slid it into the door’s ancient lock. “Yeah, I guess it is. But y’know, history doesn’t mean much when the water pipes start leaking, or the roof decides to let the acid rain in. Still, it’s home.”

The door creaked open, revealing a warm but cluttered interior. The scent of aged wood and faint oil filled the air, mixed with the aroma of something cooking faintly in the background. ava stepped inside, looking around in awe at the mismatched furniture, shelves crammed with books and knick-knacks, and the faint glow of old lamps illuminating the cozy space.

“This is so different from the other houses I’ve seen,” Ava admitted, running her hand along the edge of a wooden table. “It feels… lived in, like it’s full of stories.”

Lira smiled as she set the cradle down gently on the couch. “It is. Every scratch on the floor, every crack in the wall, it’s got a story behind it. Some good, some… not so good. But it’s ours.” Ava nodded, sitting down next to the cradle and peering at the robotic baby. “Well, your house definitely has character. And speaking of characters,” she said, pointing to the baby, “I think we just introduced the weirdest one yet.”

Lira laughed, plopping down beside her. “Oh, definitely. Let’s just hope it doesn’t end up with a story of its own involving us failing this assignment.” Ava grinned, leaning back into the worn cushions. “Yeah, no pressure or anything. Just a month of raising a robot baby and keeping it alive in your hundred-year-old house. Piece of cake, right?” Lira smirked, nudging her with an elbow. “Easy. What could possibly go wrong?”

Lira’s room was a mix of coziness and chaos, tucked away on the second floor of the old house. The wooden floorboards creaked slightly underfoot, and the walls were lined with faded wallpaper, its floral pattern barely visible through the years of wear. Posters of futuristic bands and old sci-fi movies were tacked up haphazardly, giving the room a splash of personality.

A sturdy wooden desk, cluttered with half-finished drawings, textbooks, and a few trinkets, sat against one wall. A small lamp with a makeshift shade made from scraps of colorful fabric cast a warm glow across the room.

The bed was pushed into the corner, its blankets a patchwork quilt that looked handmade, fraying at the edges. A stuffed cat with one button eye sat at the head of the bed, propped against the pillows like a loyal sentinel. The window above the bed was partially covered with old blinds, letting slivers of the hazy orange light from the undercity filter through. Shelves lined with books, knick-knacks, and small gadgets covered another wall, some leaning at precarious angles.

The robotic baby rested in its cradle near the desk, its big blue eyes staring blankly upward as if observing the ceiling. Its pale, lifelike skin and delicate features made it seem oddly out of place in the cluttered, well-worn room, like a visitor from another world. Ava flopped onto the bed; arms stretched out dramatically. “Man, I don’t know how you do it, Lira. Between this house, your genius piano sister, and now this creepy robo-baby, you’ve got way too much going on. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to survive Ms. Lena’s lectures.”

Lira snorted as she grabbed a chair and spun it around to sit, resting her arms on the back. “Ms. Lena? Don’t even get me started. I swear, she lives to make my life miserable. Did you hear her rant last week about ‘personal responsibility’?” Lira smirked. “To be fair, you did forget your homework project. Again.”

Ava peeked out from behind the pillow, grinning sheepishly. “Okay, yeah, but come on. Did she have to give me the ‘you’re doomed in life’ speech in front of the whole class? It was so dramatic. Like, sorry I didn’t turn in one assignment, Ms. Lena, I’ll try not to ruin the world because of it.”

Lira laughed, leaning back in her chair. “She does have a flair for the dramatic. Remember the time she yelled at Bryce for chewing gum? You’d think he was plotting something the way she went off on him.” Ava sat up, laughing. “Oh, totally! And then he just… stared at her, still chewing the gum, like he was daring her to explode. Classic Bryce.”

Lira nodded, grinning. “Yeah, he’s got guts. I thought Ms. Lena was gonna spontaneously combust.” They both dissolved into laughter, the sound filling the room and making it feel lighter, more alive. The robotic baby made a faint whirring noise, its eyes blinking slowly, and Ava turned to glance at it.

“Hey, do you think Ms. Lena would approve of our parenting skills?” Ava asked, smirking. Lira rolled her eyes. “Oh, definitely. She’d probably give us a 10-page lecture on the ‘importance of nurturing artificial intelligence’ or something.”

Ava snorted. “And then she’d assign extra credit for changing its diapers or programming it to say, ‘Ms. Lena is the best teacher ever.’” Lira grinned, shaking her head. “You’re not wrong. I bet she’d ask to monitor it 24/7 to make sure we’re not ‘neglecting’ it. Imagine getting a progress report on parenting.”

Ava leaned back against the headboard, laughing so hard she wiped a tear from her eye. “Parenting 101, under the watchful eye of Ms. Lena. Honestly, I’d fail that class in a heartbeat.” Lira chuckled, looking over at the baby. “Well, we’re stuck with it for the month, so let’s just hope it doesn’t give us any reason to call Ms. Lena for advice.”

“Agreed,” Ava said, sitting up and brushing her hair out of her face. “But honestly, if it does start acting weird, I vote we blame Bryce. He’s probably got chewing gum stuck in its circuits right now.” Lira burst out laughing, nearly tipping over in her chair. “Deal.” The two girls continued joking and chatting, their laughter filling the room as they slowly adjusted to the strange new responsibility sitting quietly in its cradle.

About thirty minutes passed, the room quiet save for the occasional soft hum from the robotic baby in its cradle. Ava’s ears suddenly twitched, her posture stiffening as her head turned slightly toward the window. Her glowing pink eyes, subtle but unmistakable, sharpened with an alert, animalistic gleam.

Lira noticed immediately, her brows furrowing in mild concern. “Is something wrong?” she asked, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. Ava stood up, her movements smooth and precise, a hint of tension in her stance. “Someone’s here,” she said in a low, serious tone. Her pink eyes flickered faintly as her gaze locked onto the direction of the sound, her expression unreadable but intense.

Lira tilted her head slightly before breaking into a soft chuckle, waving her hand dismissively. “Oh, that must be my parents. They usually come around this time with Mia.” Her casual response seemed almost out of place given Ava’s heightened reaction. Ava’s eyebrows rose slightly, her rigid posture loosening as she blinked a few times, the glow in her eyes fading. “Oh, I see,” she said, her voice returning to its usual tone, though her unease lingered in her faintly furrowed brows.

Lira chuckled nervously and stood, brushing her hands on her hoodie. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to them,” she said, walking over to the door. Ava hesitated for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face before she exhaled quietly and followed. “Okay then,” she replied, her tone even, though her steps were slower and more deliberate.

The girls descended the creaky wooden staircase, the air growing warmer as they moved closer to the heart of the house. The faint sound of voices drifted up from below, familiar and lighthearted. Lira glanced over her shoulder at Ava, noticing her friend’s cautious movements.

“They’re nice, I promise,” Lira said with a reassuring smile. “My mom’s probably going to ask you a million questions, though.” “Great,” Ava muttered, a touch of dry humor in her voice. “I’ll brace myself.”

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Lira pushed open a wooden door leading into the living room. The space was cozy, with mismatched furniture that showed years of use, a warm golden light cast by an old-fashioned lamp in the corner, and a few family photos adorning the walls.

Lira’s father, Theo, noticing the two after a moment stepped forward, his lean and wiry frame unmistakable. His sharp features were softened slightly by his ever-present playful smirk, and his glasses perched precariously on his nose, as if they were constantly trying to escape. He now wore a baggy gray shirt with a faint grease stain near the hem and a pair of slightly wrinkled khaki pants. His catlike tail flicked lazily behind him, matching the relaxed, mischievous glint in his golden eyes.

“Lira! There’s my favorite daughter,” Theo said with mock seriousness, his smirk broadening. “Don’t tell Mia I said that.”

“Hey!” came a small but indignant voice from behind him. The little girl stepped forward, her black and white hair tied into two neat braids that bounced slightly as she moved. Her wide, curious eyes lit up as she saw Lira. Despite her pout, there was a clear fondness in her expression.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Lira rolled her eyes, a grin tugging at her lips. “Don’t listen to him, Mia. You’re his favorite, and we all know it.”

Mia brightened immediately, her pout dissolving into a cheerful smile. She tugged lightly on Theo’s sleeve, looking up at him with a mix of pride and expectation. “Right, Dad?” Theo leaned down, his tail curling around his leg as he adjusted his slipping glasses with an exaggerated flourish. “You caught me,” he said in a dramatic whisper. “You’re both my favorite.”

Mia giggled, clearly satisfied with the answer, and skipped forward to wrap her arms around Lira’s waist. “I missed you!” she said brightly, her voice muffled slightly against Lira’s shirt. “I missed you too, squirt,” Lira replied, ruffling Mia’s hair gently, careful not to disturb her neatly braided pigtails. “Did you behave today, or did you drive Mom and Dad crazy again?”

Mia pulled back, her eyes wide with mock innocence. “Me? Drive them crazy? Never!” she said, though the sly grin creeping across her face suggested otherwise. “That’s a lie if I’ve ever heard one,” Theo interjected, straightening up and folding his arms across his chest. “She convinced a street vendor today that she needed an extra dessert because her big sister abandoned her.”

“I didn’t abandon you!” Lira exclaimed with a laugh, looking at Mia, who shrugged casually, clearly unbothered. “Technically, you weren’t there,” Mia said with faux logic, her grin widening. “See what I deal with?” Theo said to Ava, who had been standing quietly, watching the interaction with a mix of amusement and unease.

Ava tilted her head, her pink eyes flickering briefly as she forced a small, polite smile. “She’s… creative,” she offered, her voice slightly stilted. Lira seemed to notice Ava’s discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Oh, right! Dad, Mia, this is Ava. She’s my… partner for a school project.”

Theo’s golden eyes twinkled with interest as he extended a hand toward Ava. “Nice to meet you, Ava. Any friend of Lira’s is welcome in our home, especially if you’re helping her with schoolwork. She could use all the help she can get.”

“Dad!” Lira groaned, her cheeks flushing slightly. Mia giggled, her braids swaying as she tilted her head up to inspect Ava more closely. “Are you Lira’s best friend?” she asked innocently. “Uh…” Ava hesitated, glancing at Lira for guidance. “Sure, you could say that.”

Mia nodded solemnly, apparently satisfied with the answer. “Good. Lira needs more friends. She talks to that robot kitty more than real people.”

Ava blinked, her gaze darting to Lira, who gave her sister a pointed look. “Okay, squirt. That’s enough sharing for now.” “Robot kitty?” Theo asked, his ears twitching slightly with curiosity as he adjusted his glasses again.

“It’s nothing,” Lira said quickly, steering the conversation away. “Ava and I were just working on something for class.” Before Theo could press further, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, followed by the familiar voice of Mara, Lira’s mother. “We’re home!” she called, her tone warm and inviting.

Mara stepped into the room moments later, a bag of groceries balanced on her hip. She was a chimera like Theo, with soft, feline features and a calm demeanor that contrasted her husband’s playful energy. Her navy blue and white fur was immaculately groomed, and she wore a simple, yet elegant dark purple blouse paired with dark slacks. Her tail swayed gently as she greeted everyone with a warm smile.

“Oh, Lira, you’re home!” Mara said, setting the bag down and stepping forward to hug her daughter. “And who’s this?” she asked, her gaze landing on Ava. “This is Ava,” Lira said, her voice steady despite the nervous flicker in her eyes. “She’s helping me with a school project.”

Mara’s smile widened as she extended a hand to Ava. “It’s so nice to meet you, Ava. I hope Lira hasn’t been bossing you around too much.” “Mom!” Lira protested, though the embarrassed smile on her face betrayed her amusement.

Ava shook Mara’s hand, her grip firm despite her lingering unease. “It’s nice to meet you too, Lira’s been… fine.” Mara chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “Well, you’re always welcome here. Any friend of Lira’s is a friend of ours.”

As Mara turned her attention back to Theo and Mia, Lira nudged Ava gently. “See? Told you they’re harmless,” she whispered. Ava nodded slightly but couldn’t shake the instinctual feeling of unease. For now, she decided to follow Lira’s lead and hoped the evening would remain uneventful.

Theo’s grin widened as he watched Ava, her hesitation palpable in the air. He straightened up, brushing his wrinkled khaki pants with a quick flick of his tail, and said, “You’re welcome to stay for dinner, Ava. We always have extra, and Mia’s been begging for pasta all week.”

Ava shifted slightly, the tension in her body still evident as she hesitated, her gaze flickering between the family members. The last thing she wanted was to intrude, especially given how much she had already been caught off guard by the warmth of Lira’s family. But just as she opened her mouth to politely refuse, Mia’s small voice piped up with infectious enthusiasm.

“Yea, stay for dinner with us!” Mia exclaimed, her hands clasped together as she bounced on the balls of her feet, her braids swaying with every excited movement.

Theo chuckled, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief. “See? Even Mia’s on your side. How could you possibly say no now?” Ava’s lips curled into a nervous, half-smile, though she wasn’t quite sure how to feel. She never liked being the center of attention, especially when she wasn’t sure how to act around new people. Yet, the warmth in the room was undeniable. They were kind, perhaps overly so, but kind, nonetheless.

Mara, sensing Ava’s reluctance, added in her soft, soothing voice, “We’d love to have you join us, Ava. It’s just pasta and some good company. Nothing too formal.” Her smile was gentle and welcoming, the kind that made Ava feel slightly more at ease, even if only for a moment.

Lira, noticing Ava’s inner turmoil, placed a hand on her shoulder. The touch was comforting, grounding. “My parents make some killer pasta, you know,” she said softly, her tone light with a touch of teasing. “You won’t regret it.”

Ava’s posture began to relax as the warmth of Lira’s reassurance settled over her. The thought of a home-cooked meal, especially one that wasn’t from a street vendor or hastily thrown together, was enough to ease the tension in her chest. She exhaled a small sigh, feeling the pressure, she’d been carrying over the day slowly ebb away.

“Alright… I’ll stay for dinner,” Ava said quietly, her smile a little more genuine this time, though it was still a bit shy. The change in her demeanor was subtle but noticeable, the tightness in her shoulders finally easing as she felt herself settle into the moment.

Theo and Mia erupted in cheers at her response, much to Ava’s surprise. Theo’s laugh echoed in the room, loud and warm, while Mia clapped her hands together and bounced around, her joy contagious. “Yay! We’re going to have so much fun!” Mia cheered, spinning in a circle as she tried to drag her father toward the kitchen. “Let’s make sure the pasta’s extra cheesy, okay, Dad?”

“Of course, of course,” Theo said with exaggerated enthusiasm, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Anything for the pasta queen.” Ava couldn’t help but smile at the lighthearted exchange, the sound of their laughter filling the air and making her feel, for the first time that evening, like she belonged.

Mara and Lira exchanged a fond look, both of them smiling softly. “Great,” Mara said, her tone calm and filled with contentment. “We’re glad you’ll join us.” Lira’s smile softened as she nudged Ava gently with her elbow, her voice low enough only for Ava to hear. “See? It’s not so bad,” she teased, her smile warm and understanding. “You’re family now.”

Ava nodded, her shoulders finally feeling free from the tightness they’d been holding onto. “I guess it’s not so bad.” Her voice was quieter now, a little more confident. She couldn’t quite shake the feeling that she wasn’t completely out of place yet, but she was starting to feel less like an outsider. Maybe dinner wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The sound of Theo’s booming laughter and Mia’s excited chatter drifted from the kitchen, and Ava found herself following the others toward it. Her mind, still racing with a few lingering questions, was slowly beginning to calm.

For the first time in her life, she allowed herself to simply be, to try to be, human. The warm glow of the kitchen lights bathed the table in a soft, amber hue as the family gathered around. The table, though modest, was large enough to fit them all comfortably, with mismatched chairs that added to the homey, lived-in feel.

Theo sat at one end; his posture relaxed as he scooped up a generous portion of pasta onto his plate. Mia, who had practically skipped to the table, was already twirling her spaghetti with such enthusiasm that a few strands flung out of her bowl, causing a quiet laugh from her mother. Lira took the seat next to Ava, offering her a reassuring smile as she settled into her place.

Ava hesitated for a moment as she sat down, the wooden chair creaking slightly beneath her. She had been in plenty of crowded rooms before, but this felt different, this was something softer, quieter, more genuine than the world she had grown used to. For a brief second, she felt the faintest pang of discomfort, but it was quickly swept away by the clinking of silverware and the steady hum of conversation around her.

“So,” Theo began, breaking the comfortable silence, “Ava, Lira tells me you’re into tech, huh? You have to tell me what you think about all these new gadgets.” He gestured around the table, his glasses slipping down his nose as he leaned forward, eager to hear more. His tail swayed idly behind him, a constant display of his playful nature.

Ava paused, spoon halfway to her mouth, before setting it down and meeting Theo’s gaze. His golden eyes were sharp but kind, his curiosity genuine. “I guess you could say that” she said, her voice still a little unsure, but the warmth of the moment helped her relax.

“I spend a lot of time tinkering with things, trying to make them work better, or even make something new altogether.” “Sounds like you’d get along great with Lira,” Theo laughed, his voice a smooth mix of humor and affection.

“She’s been trying to fix up that old, dusty radio of mine for months now, but somehow the only thing she gets is static.” Lira rolled her eyes good-naturedly, picking up her fork. “It’s not my fault the thing’s practically ancient, Dad,” she teased. “One of these days, I’ll get it working again, just you wait.”

Ava chuckled softly at the playful exchange, feeling her earlier unease melt away with every laugh. She took a bite of the pasta, and her eyes widened slightly at the rich flavor that exploded in her mouth. It was unlike anything she had expected, so simple, yet so comforting.

Her gaze drifted over to Lira, who caught her eye with a mischievous smile. “Good, right?” Lira whispered, her voice low enough for just Ava to hear. “Told you my parents make killer pasta.” Ava nodded, grinning despite herself. “Yeah, it’s really good.” She hesitated for a second before adding, “You weren’t kidding.”

Mara, sitting across from her, smiled warmly, taking a bite of her own food before speaking up. “We try to keep things simple. Foods supposed to make you feel at home, not stressed.” She looked at Ava kindly. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice to see Lira making new friends.” Her voice was gentle, the tone of a mother who genuinely cared for the people in her children’s lives.

Ava felt a small knot in her chest loosen at the kind words, a warmth she hadn’t expected to feel bubbling up inside her. She glanced down at her plate as tears started to creep up steadily, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before answering. “I… I’m glad to be here,” she said quietly. "I don’t really have a lot of friends. But Lira’s… she’s been really nice to me.”

Theo’s eyes softened as he looked between Lira and Ava, sensing the vulnerability in Ava’s words. He leaned back in his chair, his tone light but sincere. “Well, I’m sure Lira’s been a good influence. She’s got a knack for picking out the good ones.”

His golden eyes twinkled with amusement, but there was an underlying fondness in his voice, like he was proud of the people Lira chose to keep close. “We don’t bite… much.”

Mia, who had been quietly enjoying her meal up until that point, suddenly piped up, her voice full of innocence and energy. “Yeah! We’re nice, I promise!” Her wide eyes gleamed with excitement, and she looked up at Ava eagerly. “You’re like family now!”

Theo chuckled, ruffling Mia’s hair. “Exactly. Family.” He looked back at Ava, his expression warm. “So don’t be shy. Make yourself at home.”

Ava’s throat tightened for a moment, but she nodded, her smile growing more genuine as she met the family’s eyes. It felt strange, this sense of belonging that was being offered so freely, but it also felt… right. She glanced down at her plate, her heart lighter than it had been in days.

Lira, noticing Ava’s quiet moment, gave her a small, knowing smile. “I told you, your family now,” she whispered, just loud enough for Ava to hear.

Ava’s smile widened, her heart swelling with gratitude. She didn’t quite know how long this feeling would last, but for now, surrounded by the warmth of Lira’s family, she allowed herself to savor the moment, to feel part of something more than just a fleeting connection.

The clink of silverware and the murmur of conversation continued around her, and for the first time in her life, Ava allowed herself to feel completely at ease. The evening stretched on, the light from the kitchen windows softening as night began to fall, and the laughter and warmth at the table made the world outside seem a little less cold. For now, at least, Ava was home.

The evening air had cooled, the faint hum of the undercity’s distant machinery providing a constant backdrop to the quiet of the residential street. The sky above was a muted shade of purple, the last traces of already faint daylight slowly fading into night. Streetlights flickered on one by one, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement.

Lira’s family stood on the porch, framed by the warm light spilling from the open doorway, waving Ava off as she turned to leave. Ava stood a few steps away from them, her hand clutching a small, crumpled bag with the leftovers wrapped inside.

It was a strange feeling, having food in her hands, food that wasn’t scavenged or hastily grabbed from the shadows of the city. The bag felt oddly heavy in her right hand, but not because of its contents. It was the weight of kindness; of a gesture she wasn’t used to.

She glanced down at it for a moment, the bag feeling foreign in her grasp. Theo, standing with his hands on his hips, grinned widely at her. “Make sure you come back for more, alright?” he called out, his voice light but genuine. “We’ll have a full plate waiting whenever you need it.”

Mia, standing beside him, bounced excitedly on her feet, her black and white braids swinging with her every movement. “You can come anytime! It was fun having you here!” she exclaimed, her wide, eager eyes shining under the soft porch light.

Ava shifted uncomfortably for a brief second, unsure how to respond to their enthusiasm. She had never really been part of anything like this, a family, a place to return to. But there was something in their eyes, something warm and inviting, that made her want to smile. She waved back awkwardly, her fingers stiff but moving in the familiar motion.

“I’ll try to,” she said, her voice a little softer than usual. She cleared her throat before continuing, her words coming more naturally this time, “Thanks. For the food. And… for being kind.” Her heart felt a little heavier as she said it, but in a good way. A strange, foreign sensation.

Mara, standing behind Theo and Mia, gave a gentle smile and waved her hand in a slow, graceful motion. “Take care of yourself out there, Ava,” she said, her voice steady but warm. “And if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to come by.”

Ava nodded, her gaze briefly meeting Mara’s. There was a quiet strength in her eyes, something that reminded Ava of the stability she longed for but never seemed to find. Her chest tightened for a moment, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside.

Lira stood off to the side, her arms crossed over her chest, a quiet smile playing at her lips. “I’ll text you later, okay?” she said, her voice carrying a light tease. “But seriously, don’t forget to come back. I’ll make you that mixtape I promised.”

Ava’s lips curved upward, her nerves relaxing a little. “Yeah, I won’t forget.” Her eyes lingered on Lira for a second longer than necessary, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

The sound of footsteps from the street snapped her back to the present. The city’s concrete and steel seemed to pull her away from the warmth of the moment, a reminder of the cold, unfeeling world she had to navigate. She hesitated for a moment longer, the bag of leftovers feeling like it might slip through her fingers.

Then, with a deep breath, she turned and began to walk down the uneven path leading away from the house. Her footsteps were steady but quiet, the worn shoes scraping against the cracked pavement.

The familiar, oppressive weight of the undercity loomed ahead. The towering buildings, some half-collapsed, some still stubbornly standing, seemed to swallow up the light, casting long, jagged shadows along the alleyways. Ava walked with purpose, though her pace was slower now, the sounds of the family’s voices fading behind her.

As she reached the end of the street, she glanced back one last time, the dim glow from the house barely visible now, swallowed by the darkness of the undercity. Lira’s family was still standing there, watching her leave, and for a moment, she felt like she was carrying something far heavier than just leftovers.

Ava’s hand tightened around the bag, its contents a simple reminder of something she hadn’t fully realized she wanted. The undercity’s constant hum, the sound of distant machinery grinding away at the very fabric of the world, filled the air, but it didn’t seem as suffocating tonight. She wasn’t sure what would come of this fleeting connection, if anything at all, but at the very least, it made the world feel a little less alone.

With a small sigh, she pressed on, the towering spires of the undercity stretching before her like a labyrinth of shadows and secrets. But tonight, the darkness didn’t seem quite so heavy. And as she disappeared into the maze of crumbling streets, the last thing she heard was Lira’s voice calling after her one final time, faint but clear in the night air: “Take care, Ava. Come back soon.” Ava smiled softly to herself, her heart a little less guarded than before, and continued into the night.