Homecoming
Winter and I have always had a complicated relationship. I loved it when I was younger—hibernating under a mountain of blankets for weeks, fuzzy socks on, and a warm mug of cocoa. Fred, the family cat, curled up at my feet purring. I buried my focus in my favorite book, listening to the soothing sound of laughter drifting through my window, where my dad and Chris pelted each other with snowballs and made snowmen.
But now, as the icy wind bites my cheeks the moment I step out of the airport, I wish I had stayed where the weather was constantly warm. Moving to Cali has been a huge change from living on the East Coast. Life has kept me running around ever since the big move. Work has me glued to my desk, and it’s been nearly a year since I’ve seen my family in person. FaceTime and rushed phone calls have been poor substitutes for their hugs and laughter.
I’ve missed them a lot, especially Chris—my “little big brother,” as he likes to call himself, only because he was taller than me, ever since his growth spurt. He’s always been my partner in crime, my biggest cheerleader, and my comfort place. Now he’s in college, chasing his dreams in hopefully a big way, and I couldn’t be prouder. The last time we saw each other was a year and a half ago, and that’s far too long for us.
Chris has always been ambitious and adventurous. His energy lights up any room. He’s not sure where his journey will take him yet, but I know he’s got endless possibilities. I love watching him grow into the man I always knew he’d become. And, of course, right by his side is Milo—his best friend and practically a member of the family. Those two have been inseparable for as long as I can remember, almost like brothers.
As the cold air seeps into my coat, I clutch my scarf tighter around my neck, smiling at the thought of seeing Chris again. This trip isn’t just about escaping the chaos of work or the stress that’s been following me lately. It’s about reconnecting with the people who make winter—and life—feel warm again.
On my way home to the family home, I messaged everyone in the group chat to let them know I’ve landed and am heading to the house as we speak. Mom and Dad texted immediately, saying the extra key was under the garden stone where they’d always left it, and that they would be home in a few hours. Chris, in brotherly fashion, messages me separately from the group chat.
Lil Bro Chris*: “Finally gracing us with your presence? Damn, you’re late, though. No welcome banner or anything. Unless Milo has something up his sleeve, he seemed suspiciously excited about your arrival.”
Sis Bri: “Well, well, if it isn’t the golden boy. I would expect nothing less from you, honestly, LOL. Well, at least someone is happy that I am home. Wait, are you at the house right now?”
Lil Bro Chris*: “Nah, I’m with my girl, but I will be home in about an hour or two. See ya soon, sis! Fred will be meowing his head off when he sees you’re home, LOL Oh, and Mom just bought a ton of snacks, so go crazy.”
I smile, and as soon as I look up, I realize my taxi is almost home. I can’t wait to get in. Shower and de-stress in the warmth and silence before everyone gets to the house.
Milo’s POV
I throw my backpack in the back seat and place my guitar down. I don’t live far, so practically down the street. I texted Chris before opening the car door on the driver’s side.
Milo: “Heading your way. You home?”
Chris replied instantly.
Chris: “Still at Kaylah’s. We just finished eating. I’ll be on my way soon. You know where the spare key is, right?”
Milo: “ Yeah. Also, I’m bringing the guitar for later after the game. You better be ready to lose again.
Chris: “Keep dreaming. Oh, and Bri is home. I’ll text her to let her know you’ll be heading there.
Milo leans against the car door, running a hand through his hair as memories of her flood back. It’s been over a year since he last saw her in person. The way her laugh filled a room, she carried herself with effortless grace—he’d replayed those moments the last time he saw her in his mind more than he’d like to admit to himself.
He knows she’ll see him as the same kid she’s always known. Chris’s goofy best friend, who used to play air guitar on the trampoline. And the kid who referenced nerdy RPG games and comics religiously.
He places his guitar case in the passenger seat of his car, shaking off the nervous energy.
As he turns on the engine, he grips the steering wheel and tries to focus on not making a complete fool of himself. He reminds himself that tonight will go smoothly, a little bit of fun with the family, music, games with Chris, and… seeing Bri.
There was always this unspoken rule about dating your best friend’s sibling, but admiring from afar didn’t feel like breaking any bro code, right?
The car hums to life, and as he pulls onto the road, Milo lets his thoughts drift to her again, imagining if she sees him differently now.
He exhaled sharply, shaking the thought from his mind. Tonight’s about catching up and having a good laugh. Nothing more.
But as the cold winter landscape blurs past the windows, a tiny flicker of hope burns in Milo’s chest.
****
As I step into the house, the familiar creak of the door echoes in the quiet. At first, I didn’t hear anything - no voices or footsteps. I figured Bri might be out or napping from being jet-lagged. I didn’t want to be loud just in case she might be there, so I decided I’d just wait out in Chris’s room, set up for gaming, or tune my guitar till he got here.
I walk towards the stairs when I hear a soft thump behind me. Turning around, I see Fred rushing toward me, his eyes big and his tail moving along my leg with the softest meow like he’s missed me. The little guy wastes no time rubbing against my leg in greeting, his purring so loud you could hear it throughout the house.
“Hey there, old man,” I say, crouching to scratch behind his ears. He leans into my hand like he’s starved for attention, though I know he’s been spoiled since everyone is home for the holiday. I stand up to look around for a moment.
Everything felt as if it were frozen in time. Engulfing myself in the same smells and warmth, the familiar hum of being here. But knowing Bri might be around, probably upstairs. Made my chest tighten, and my heart beat a little faster.
I stand, giving Fred one last pat on the head before turning back to the stairs. If I just keep my head down, maybe this won’t be as weird as I’m making it out to be.
I walked up to the top of the stairs into the hallway when a faint noise caught my attention. It took me a second to realize it was the soft tap of water hitting the tile—the shower was running.
I hesitated overthinking whether I should head downstairs, but decided to go directly to Chris’s room. My steps slowed as I noticed the bathroom door slightly ajar. It was cracked just enough that I could see a sliver of the room beyond.
Why was I looking inside? Maybe it was curiosity, but knowing that made me a peeping tom, so I stopped myself from looking further. I lifted my hand to tap on the door to let her know I was there, but paused. My heart thudded in my chest as I stood there, torn between walking away and… not.
I hear a soft gasp, then a low moan. With wide eyes, I freeze up. My brain screams at me to walk away, fast. But my feet stay planted, almost like I’ve been glued to the spot.
The steam from the shower clings to the air, fogging up the glass and blurring any real view, and the door is barely open— so of course I can’t see anything, but the sounds… they’re crystal clear.
Her moans grow a little louder, and before I can stop, my mind conjures all kinds of images, each more vivid than the last. My skin flushes hot, heat prickling behind my neck as the will to move feels impossible.
I should leave. I know I should. But for some reason, I just… don’t.
At that very moment, Fred decides he wants to play with my leg and playfully claws me, and I accidentally react and push the door open as he runs in, and that’s when- “Oh shit,” I mutter.
“Milo!” She gasped as if she was just about to reach her climax before I ruined that moment. Then the shock and embarrassment hit. “Get the fuck out!’
“Sorry, sorry, sorry. I swear I didn’t see-” I stutter.
“Just get out!” she shouts as she tries to cover her body with her hands.
“Right, sorry!” I say one last time before bolting for Chris’s room.
I hid in Chris’s room, trying to calm myself, which felt like an eternity. How do I even explain that? God, she’ll think I am a perv! I start ranting to myself when I hear footsteps. I immediately pretend to be looking out the window.
“Hey, look, sorry for cursing you out. I thought you were watching me… and I freaked out. I overreacted, not realizing at that very moment the cat was rushing in, right in front of you. I forgot he has a habit of pushing doors wide open, which made that scene a little awkward… I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here.” She tries to laugh off the awkward tension.
I take a few deep breaths before turning towards her.
Of course, she’s in a freaking short robe. There are still drops of water on her skin, and I watch as a single drop falls in between her cleavage, and I forget what I was supposed to be saying.
“Milo, you good?” She says with a concerned look.
“ Uh…yeah, I apologize for what happened. I was just gonna knock to say I was here, and that’s when Fred playfully attacked…I thought Chris sent you a text?” I say, trying to sound convincing.
She closed her robe more when she noticed my eyes linger on her chest.
“ Right, well, my phone is charging, so I didn’t hear it go off… OK, well I’m gonna get dressed…” she says, unable to meet my eyes.
