"Yes, Mom. I just got home," Andre said into the phone as he stepped out of the taxi, slinging his duffel bag over one shoulder.
The air smelled faintly of the rain, and the afternoon sun filtered through the trees that framed their family house. It looked exactly the same as when he'd left last semester. He could hear a bird's call in the distance, like it was welcoming him home.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet to pay the driver.
"When you see your sister, tell her to call me," his mother continued. "Your father said she didn't pick up his calls last night."
"Got it," he replied, trying to sound casual. He wanted to ask when they'd come home, so they could have a meal together as a family, but he already knew the answer.
