LAURA

Laura arrives home three hours later. Her parents are waiting in the front yard to welcome her home.

"Oh darling, we've missed you!" Her mother coos, enveloping her into a tight hug.

"I've missed you too," she replies, smiling at her mom. "Hi dad," she hugs her father.

"So how is university going?" Her father asks her.

"Oh and how is your friend, Zara?" Her mom puts in.

Laura chuckles. "Why don't we talk over dinner? I'm famished."

"Of course, that's a great idea." Her mother ushers them into their beautiful two story house that has a magnificent front porch and red turrets.

Laura drops her stuff off in her bedroom, then goes into the kitchen to help her mother.

"That smells delicious," she compliments, looking at the pepper steak roasting on the grill.

He mother chuckles. "Your favourite, isn't it?"

Laura smiles and nods.

"How is Michael?" Her mother asks, as Laura hops onto the counter to watch her mother get started on the pepper sauce.

"He's doing well. I called him a while ago. He's given his regards." Laura replies, happy at the very thought of Michael.

Over dinner, she tells her parents about Michael's promotion. "He really did want to come, but he's on a business trip with his boss." She says, eating her steak slowly, savouring every bite. "It's for a prospective promotion."

"That's very good," her father nods approvingly while her mother beams.

Upstairs, on silent mode, her phone rings incessantly.