The mansion looked calm. A few lights were on, but not many. The sky above had already started to turn dark.
Evelyn got out first. She grabbed her bag and gave him a nod. "Thanks for the ride."
"No problem," Ethan said.
"See you tomorrow," she added.
"Yeah."
Everly stepped out next. She stretched her arms and let out a small yawn.
"Don't be late tomorrow," she said. "We're getting food first thing."
Ethan smiled. "Got it."
The twins walked toward the front door, talking quietly. They didn't look back, just waved once before going inside.
Ethan sat there for a few seconds longer.
Then he turned the car around and headed home.
The drive home was smooth. Quiet.
The streets were mostly empty now, lit by soft yellow lights that passed over the car in slow pulses. No rush. No traffic. Just the faint hum of the engine and the occasional whisper of wind brushing the sides of the vehicle.
His mind drifted.
Back to the simulation.
Back to the twins.
