SUNSHINE - COLE WALTER

001.

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Navigating through the bustling airport after their flight from New York to Colorado, Jamie and Jackie scan the crowded terminal, searching for Katherine Walter, their mother's best friend. Amidst the hustle, Jackie's phone buzzes, Uncle Richard's name flashing on the screen.

"Hi, Uncle Richard," the sisters chime in unison.

"Hey, was your flight okay?" he asks, concern evident in his voice.

"Fine."

"Are you guys doing okay?" he probes further.

"Yep," their responses remain brief.

"I'm sorry I couldn't come with you to meet the Walters. I—" Uncle Richard begins.

"I think we see them. We better go," Jackie interjects, sensing the need to cut the call short.

"Jackie, Jamie, I know it's a big change. Keep your heads up. I'm here whenever you guys need me. All right, text me later," he reassures before bidding them farewell.

"Okay," they reply in unison as the call ends. The weight of the transition lingers as they navigate the airport crowd.

"Listen, we've got this, okay? We ran New York; this is nothing compared to that," Jamie reassures Jackie, sensing her sister's anxiousness.

"You're right, we got this," Jackie acknowledges, offering a small smile.

"When am I ever wrong?" Jamie adds humorously.

Their confidence is affirmed when they spot a red-haired lady approaching them.

"Jackie, Jamie. Hi," Katherine greets them.

"Hi," both girls reply, reciprocating the warm hug Katherine envelops them in.

"I'm so happy you're here," Katherine exclaims, squeezing them tightly.

"Thanks, Katherine," Jackie expresses gratitude.

"So, umm," Katherine starts, looking around.

"Over here," George waves at the girls.

"Thank you. You remember George," Katherine says, placing a hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Hi, George," Jackie greets, while Jamie offers a casual "hey."

"Hi, Jackie. Jamie," George responds.

"How... how was everything?" Katherine asks as they begin to move. "Was the flight okay?"

"Yeah," the girls respond.

"You need anything before we go?" Katherine offers, "Get something to eat or coffee."

"We're okay," Jamie responds for both, setting the tone for their journey out of the airport, a new chapter unfolding in the unfamiliar surroundings of Colorado.

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After a lengthy drive, Jamie gazes up at the house, struck by its unfamiliarity compared to their home in New York. Lost in her thoughts, memories of her mom, dad, and Lucy flood her mind.