She could barely see the house in the distance. Even enshrouded in mist, it still looked like she remembered. Would it smell the same, she mused as she splashed along the muddy path. From half a world away she had imagined this day wondering if it would ever come. The recent rains hung in the afternoon sun, dripping from the grass that slapped at her tall rubber boots.

She remembered the last time she had crossed this field aching with fear that it might be the last time. Now she felt a strange mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Had they both changed? Could four years thin the bond that had shaped her?

She neared the door and hesitated outlining the worn door knocker with her finger. She smiled at the memories of that bronze horse head.

And then she tapped out their secret pattern and opened the door. The familiar smells of coffee brewing and almond cookies baking brought tears to her eyes! “Grandmother! Grandpa!” she called her heart bursting!