The sunlight spilled across the garden, and I settled deeper into the plush cushions of the outdoor chair, my book propped open in my lap. The soft rustling of leaves created a soothing background, lulling me into a state of contentment. It was a perfect day to lose myself in the pages, away from the world, and I was grateful for the quiet.

The sound of Caitlin's footsteps break my concentration as she steps outside, her hair catching the light like spun gold. "Hey, Elena," she says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, making me look up from my book to her. "I'm about to drop Renae and Jamie off at the train station. Do you want to come?"

I shake my head, a small smile on my lips. "Thanks, but I think I'll stay here today." The thought of leaving the house feels heavy, as if the warmth of the garden is wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.

Caitlin nods, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "Okay, I get it. It might take about two hours, one there and one back."

"I'll just be around here somewhere," I reply, returning to my book as she steps back inside. I didn't want to disturb the peaceful bubble I had created for myself.

Fifteen minutes later, after becoming completely engrossed in the story, I felt a need for a change of scenery and decided to head back inside. The air in the house was warm and inviting, a contrast to the cool breeze outside. I wandered into the kitchen and paused at the doorway, spotting Simone, Caitlin's mom, bustling around, gathering ingredients.

"You're just in time," she says, smoothing out the batter. "I'm going to out this into the oven and then when it's cooled down we can decorate it."

I nod, returning her smile. "Sure."

Feeling warm and content, I made my way up to Caitlin's room. I flopped down onto the bed, the soft sheets enveloping me in comfort. As I sprawled across the bed, letting the quiet wrap around me, my phone buzzed. Rachel's name popped up on the screen, and I couldn't help but grin as I answered the FaceTime call. Her face appeared, her signature smirk already in place.

"Look who it is!" Rachel crows. "The Aussie transplant herself. How's life down under, you jet-setting lovebird?"

I roll my eyes but smiled, propping the phone up against a pillow. "It's good, Rach. Different, but... really good."

Rachel arches an eyebrow, leaning in closer to her screen. "Different how? You developing a weird accent yet? Don't tell me you're one of those people who says 'mate' now."

"Oh, shut up," I shoot back with a laugh. "I haven't picked up the accent. Yet."

"Thank God," Rachel teases. "So, what's different then? Or are you just trying to be all mysterious about it?"

I think for a moment, then shrug. "It just feels... easy here, you know? Like, Cait's family has been amazing. They make me feel like I belong, like I'm part of everything."

Rachel blinks, mockingly dramatic as she places a hand over her chest. "Wow. Emotional depth. Are you okay? Do you need me to call someone?"

"Rach," I warn, though I can't stop the laugh bubbling up. "I'm being serious."

"So am I! I'm just saying, you're over there what baking cakes and talking about family feelings? Who even are you?"

"Shut up," I groan, burying my face in the pillow. "I swear, you're impossible and I'm decorating cakes not baking them."

Rachel cackles, clearly pleased with herself. "I'm just saying it's cute, that's all. Domestic Elena is not something I expected, but I love it for you. What's next? Knitting socks for Caitlin?"

"You're ridiculous," I mutter, though the teasing brings an unexpected warmth to my chest. "It's nice, though. Like, her mom-Simone-she's just so... warm. She makes me feel like I actually belong here."

Rachel's grin softens into something more thoughtful, though her tone stayed playful. "Look at you, getting all soft on me. Next thing I know, you're gonna start writing poems about how much you love her family."

"Oh my God," I groan again, though I can't keep the smile off my face. "You're the worst."

"And yet, here you are, still talking to me," Rachel shoots back, her smirk firmly in place. Then her expression shifts slightly, her voice dipping into something a bit gentler. "Seriously, though. It sounds amazing, El. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, Rach," I say, my voice quieter now. "It is amazing. But it's also... weird, sometimes. I didn't grow up with this, you know? It makes me think about what I missed with my mom."

Rachel tilts her head, her teasing gone entirely now. "I get that," she says, her voice soft. "Happy for what you've got now, but kinda sad for what you didn't have, right?"

"Exactly," I say, my thumb tracing idle patterns on the blanket. "It's bittersweet. But I didn't realize how much I wanted something like this until I had it."

Rachel's smile returns, a little brighter now. "Well, better late than never, right? And hey, decorating cakes with your sorta-mother-in-law? That's big. You're basically in too deep now, El."

I chuckle shaking my head. "Apparently."

She leans closer to the camera, her grin turning wicked. "Does Caitlin know you're becoming her mum's new favorite?"

I laugh, rolling my eyes. "I think she'd just be relieved I'm not burning the kitchen down. You should've seen me trying to figure out the oven the other day."

Rachel bursts out laughing, shaking her head. "Oh, I would've paid to see that. Domestic Elena is my new favorite thing. Send me pics of this cake when it's done. Proof or it didn't happen."

"Fine, but don't expect a masterpiece," I tease.

"Deal," Rachel says, smirking again. "But for real, El. I'm happy for you. You deserve this, even if you're over there making me cry with all your family bonding stories."

"Thanks," I say, smiling back at her. "It means a lot."

Rachel waves a hand dismissively but doesn't hide the warmth in her eyes. "Alright, I'll let you get back to it. But don't forget-pics of the cake, or I'm calling you out."

"Okay, okay, you'll get your pics," I promise, laughing.

"Good. Love you, superstar."

"Love you too," I say, watching her grin and wave before the screen blinks off.

As I set my phone down, I lay back on the bed, feeling a quiet sense of peace settling over me again.

Being here in Australia where Caitlin had grown up, where Caitlin's whole life was, it felt like I was apart of something bigger and it made me feel this warmth in my stomach I couldn't quite explain.

I smiled to myself as I made my way back downstairs and curled up onto the sofa, I curled up with a glass of juice. It wasn't long before Simone joined me, her own glass in hand. She sat beside me with that warm, effortless presence of hers, and I found myself relaxing further into the cushions.

"You're awfully quiet," Simone says softly after a moment, her tone gentle.

I glance at her and offer a small shrug, followed by a faint smile. "I'm just thinking, I guess."

"About Caitlin?" she asks knowingly, her eyes twinkling.

I chuckle under my breath, staring down at the glass in my hands. "When am I not?"

Simone laughs lightly, setting her tea down. She reaches over to give my knee a comforting squeeze. "You miss her, don't you?"

I hesitate before nodding, my cheeks flushing. "Yeah," I admit softly. "It's silly-she'll be back in a bit."

"It's not silly," Simone says, shaking her head. "It's love. When it's real, it doesn't matter how long someone's gone-you always feel their absence."

Her words tug at something deep inside me. I set my drink aside and let out a slow breath, my hands fidgeting in my lap. "I just... I didn't think I'd ever get this," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. "Not after everything."

Simone tilts her head slightly, her brow furrowing. "Everything with Ona?"

I nod, biting my lip. "It wasn't her fault," I say quickly. "It was mine. She wanted everything, and I... I couldn't give it to her. I was so closed off-so scared-because of my dad."

Simone's gaze softens.

"When he found out I liked girls..." I trail off, swallowing hard. "The way he looked at me-it was like I wasn't his daughter anymore. I don't think I've ever really gotten over that. So, I pushed Ona away before we could go any deeper. I didn't want to risk letting her in, only to lose her too."

Simone reaches for my hand, her grip gentle yet grounding. "That's a lot for someone so young to carry," she says, her voice filled with quiet compassion. "But it's also why I'm so glad Caitlin's been able to show you what it's like to love someone freely, with nothing holding you back."

Her words wrap around me like a warm embrace, and I blink back the tears threatening to fall. "She does," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "She loves me in this... pure, unconditional way, and it's overwhelming sometimes. She doesn't ask for anything in return, and yet somehow, I want to give her everything."

Simone smiles, her hand squeezing mine again. "She's always been like that. She loves deeply, fully, without hesitation. And she's lucky to have found someone who loves her just as much in return."

I sniffle quietly, wiping at my eyes. "I hope she knows how much I love her," I whisper. "How grateful I am for her. She makes me feel like I can be myself-like it's okay to just... be."

"She knows," Simone says softly, wrapping her arm around my shoulders and pulling me closer. "But it never hurts to remind her."

I rest my head against her shoulder, feeling the weight of her presence settle over me. After a while, the silence stretches, but it's comfortable, almost healing.

Eventually, I break it with a quiet, almost hesitant confession. "I wish I had something like this with my mum."

Simone stills for a moment, then shifts slightly to better look at me. "I can't imagine what that's been like for you," she says carefully. "But for what it's worth, you have people who love you now, Elena. And I hope you know that includes me too."

Her words are simple, but they unraveled something inside me. I nod slowly, leaning further into her. "Thank you," I murmur.

Simone brushes a hand through my hair, her touch soothing and motherly. "You're part of the family now," she says warmly. "Whether you like it or not."

That makes me smile-a small, sleepy smile, but genuine. The weight of her words, the tea, and the comfort of the moment began to pull me under.

"Caitlin's lucky," I murmur, my eyes fluttering shut.

"So is she," Simone whispers back.

Before I could respond, sleep overtook me, and the house once again grew quiet, filled only with the faint ticking of the clock and the warmth of a love I never knew I could have.

Dear Mum,

I've been thinking a lot about Simone lately. It's funny how, even though she's Caitlin's mum, she feels like a gift from you. I know you couldn't be here with me, but sometimes it feels like you sent her into my life to watch over me in your own way.

Simone has this incredible warmth and wisdom that makes it easy to talk to her about everything. She's not just Caitlin's mum; she feels like a mentor to me, too. I can see bits of you in her-her laughter, the way she listens, and the kindness she shows to everyone around her. It reminds me of how you would have been, always encouraging me and guiding me along my path.

Whenever I'm with Caitlin and her, I feel this sense of belonging. It's like I'm wrapped in love, and for a moment, I can forget about how much I miss you. Simone helps me feel less alone in this journey. It's comforting to know that I have someone who cares about me like you would have, even if it's not quite the same.

I hope you're proud of me, Mum. I carry your spirit with me every day, and I think you would have loved Simone, too.

Love always,
Elena