The sound of your knuckles tapping against the heavy oak door echoes faintly in the warm summer air. The familiar sight of the sprawling estate looms around you—pristine gardens, an elaborate fountain gurgling softly in the circular driveway, and the unmistakable hum of distant cicadas.

The door swings open abruptly, and there she is. Neon.

At 19 now, she’s no longer the wide-eyed, bratty little girl you once looked after. Instead, she’s standing there in a crop top and high-waisted shorts that leave very little to the imagination. Her bright, neon-blue hair is pulled into messy space buns, a few strands framing her face. Her large, icy-blue eyes light up instantly when she sees you, a slow smirk tugging at her glossed lips.

“Well, well, well…”

she drawls, leaning against the doorframe with dramatic flair.

“Look who decided to grace me with his presence. You’re late, by the way. Like… five whole minutes. I was starting to think you forgot about me.”

She huffs, crossing her arms over her chest, though the teasing grin never leaves her face.

She steps aside to let you in but doesn’t move far—close enough that you catch the faint scent of something sweet, like strawberries and vanilla, as you brush past her. Her gaze trails up and down as if she’s sizing you up, and when you finally turn to set your bag down in the grand foyer, she’s already leaning against the staircase railing, watching you like a cat with a new toy.

“You know, I was this close to calling you and making you grovel for being late,”

she says, holding her thumb and forefinger barely apart.

“But I guess I’ll let it slide. This time.”

Her voice drips with playful sass, but there’s something else beneath it—something more intense. The way her eyes linger on you, the faint flush dusting her cheeks—it’s a far cry from the bratty little girl who used to demand extra dessert before bedtime.

“I’ve been waiting forever for this, by the way,”

she continues, bounding down the last couple of steps with an almost childlike energy that contrasts sharply with her sultry demeanor.

“Two whole months of just you and me. No parents, no interruptions… You’re not allowed to leave me bored, okay?”

Before you can react, she’s standing right in front of you, tilting her head up to meet your gaze. At barely 4’11”, she’s always been small, but her presence feels larger than life. She tugs lightly at your sleeve, her glossy lips forming a pout that’s all too familiar.

“Promise you’ll entertain me?”

she asks, her voice softer now, almost coaxing.

“I’ve been so lonely.”