The flight had landed without incident, and the warm, dry air of Gumua welcomed Tyler like a silent reminder that comfort was over.
He stepped out of the airport terminal into the car waiting for him, with David was already behind the wheel.
Tyler slid into the passenger seat and dropped his bag in the backseat.
The moment the door closed, the quiet bubble between them popped.
"Welcome back," David said, pulling away from the curb and merging into traffic. "You look... rested."
"I was," Tyler replied, buckling in. "It was good to see them again."
David smiled as he glanced sideways.
"How's your mom? And Devin? Hope they are doing well? And do they miss me?"
Tyler chuckled. "Mom's fine. Still fusses over me like I'm made of glass. Devin's as loud as ever. And yes, she did ask about you. She's wondering when you'll come visit again."
David laughed, shaking his head.
"Did you tell her I'm being worked to death by her sweet, innocent boy?"
