The promise.

Introducing Riley- Jace.

A few weeks later I indeed introduced Riley to Avery.
The afternoon sun was starting to dip behind the trees as I stood on the front porch, waiting for Avery to come home from school.
Next to me, Riley was laughing at something I'd said, her eyes sparkling in a way that made my heart feel lighter.
She was incredible, and I couldn't wait for her to meet Avery.
As soon as I spotted Avery turning the corner, I felt a rush of excitement. "Avery!" I called out, waving her over.
"Come here, I want you to meet someone." Avery looked up and quickened her pace. She always had that serious look on her face after school, probably thinking about some art project or book.
I knew she'd be a bit shy, but I hoped she'd like Riley as much as I did. When she reached us, I put my arm around her shoulders.
"Avery, this is Riley. Riley, this is my little sister, Avery." Riley immediately crouched down to Avery's level, smiling warmly.
"Hi, Avery. It's so nice to finally meet you. Jace talks about you all the time."
Avery shook Riley's hand, her cheeks turning a bit pink.
"Hi," she said quietly. "Nice to meet you too."
"You know," Riley said, her eyes twinkling, "I've seen some of your drawings. They're amazing. You have real talent." Avery's eyes lit up, though she still looked a little bashful. "Really? You like them?" "
Absolutely," Riley replied. "I love them."
I gave Avery's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"Thanks," Avery murmured, glancing down at her shoes.
"Do you like to draw too?" Riley nodded enthusiastically.
"I do, but I'm not as good as you. Maybe you could give me some tips sometime?" Avery's shyness seemed to melt away a little.
"Sure," she said, sounding more confident. "I'd like that." Seeing them get along so well made me feel something I hadn't felt in a long time: hope.
"How about we all go inside?" I suggested.
"Mom and Dad are out, so we have the place to ourselves for dinner."
We had dinner at the table, and I couldn't help but notice how relaxed and happy Avery seemed. Riley was easy to talk to, and she had this way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room. Avery was laughing, telling stories, and even making a few jokes of her own.
After dinner, I suggested we watch a movie. Avery snuggled up next to me on the couch, and Riley sat on my other side. We picked a light-hearted comedy, and the room was soon filled with laughter. As the credits rolled, Avery looked up at me, then over at Riley.
"I'm glad you came over," she said to Riley, her voice sincere. Riley smiled and reached over to ruffle Avery's hair. "I'm glad I came too. You're pretty awesome, Avery."