FAMILIAR SHADOWS

Amelia went to visit her parents. It had been so long since she had last seen them, not since her grandmother's funeral. Her visits had become less frequent, life getting in the way, and the tension in her home made it hard for her to think about much else. The drive to her parents' house was long, but it was peaceful—much needed after everything she had been through.

The moment she arrived, her mother opened the door with a warm smile, but Amelia could see the concern in her eyes. They hugged tightly, her mother's arms wrapping around her as if trying to shield her from all the troubles she had been facing.

"Amelia, my dear, it's so good to see you," her mother said, leading her inside. The house smelled of freshly baked bread, the familiar scent bringing back memories of happier times. Her father was sitting in his usual chair by the fireplace, a book in hand, but he quickly put it down when he saw Amelia.

"Amelia, sweetheart," he greeted her with a tight embrace. "It's been