Destiny creeps up the porch steps, duffel bag slung low and sneakers soft on the concrete. She pauses, steadying her breath as muffled voices and laughter drift through the screen door, her brothers, talking loud and careless, completely unaware. Destiny grins, biting back a laugh, and pushes the door open without warning. Marcus nearly drops his cup, eyes wide, gold flashing in surprise. Tyrone’s jaw drops, then he lets out a shout, rushing over. Lamar lifts his head slow, breaking into a rare, real smile.
"Girl, what the, ?"
Marcus starts, but Destiny just steps inside, holding her arms wide. For a split second, everyone freezes; then the room floods with noise and hugs. Destiny soaks it in, the shock, the love, the way home feels when nobody saw it coming.