Mirabe rubbed her temples, feeling the need to clear things up. "I just didn''t want you to feel out of ce, you know?"


    Nick''s gaze met hers again, his eyes bright and serious, not a hint of humor in them. He nodded.


    Maybe he had been overthinking things.


    "How''s your sleep these days, Nick?" Mirabe asked casually, shifting into a morefortable position on the couch.


    Sleep was a topic that brought a relieved nod from Nick. "Thatvender sachet you gave me has worked wonders. I haven''t had insomnia since."


    Though his heart condition lingered, the nightmares that used to haunt him were gone.


    "I''ve been diving into some psychology bookstely, seeing if they might help," Mirabe said slowly.


    She was skilled in medicine, but psychotherapy was new to her. It was worth exploring.


    Nick lowered his eyes, struggling with aplexity he couldn''t quite describe. His return home was prompted by a message from Zach on Messenger.


    His interactions with this sister had been brief, yet her concern for his well-being, going so far as to study psychology for him, took him by surprise. Having seen the worst in people, he had be detached from most emotions.


    His little sister, it seemed, was different.


    Nick''s expression softened as he replied, "It''s good."


    At that moment, the doorbell rang. Mirabe started to get up, but seeing Zach already heading to the door, she settled back down.


    Their conversation wandered to other topics.


    Emmitt walked into the living room and paused, noticing the easy rapport between Mirabe and Nick. His initial relief at Nick''s return was nowced with a hint of sadness.


    He too had once shared such moments with his own sister, before things went south due to prejudices.


    A lump formed in Emmitt''s throat, but he quickly swallowed it down and approached, "Little Lynx, you''re back."


    Nick stood to greet him with a respectful nod, "Emmitt."


    Mirabe didn''t stand, just nced at him and nodded before looking away.


    Emmitt''s fingers tightened in his pockets, but he masked any difort with a quick nod.


    He sat down on the couch, facing Nick. "What''s the n now? Staying in the country or heading back to your institute?"


    Nick sat up straight, his pale face showing a rare look of determination. "Once the handover at the institute is done, I n to return for good."


    Emmitt nodded, "Coming home is good. With your skills, the Riverdale Institute would surely wee you."


    At the mention of ''Riverdale Institute,'' Mirabe''s eyelids flickered slightly.


    Wasn''t Adler associated with some institute? She wondered if it was the same one.


    Nick pursed his lips, arching his brows with the pride of a prodigy. "We''ll see. Haven''t thought that far yet."


    "Take your time. By the way, how''s Chester holding up?" Emmitt asked.


    Nick just shook his head in resignation. "Same as ever. Old issues from his younger days, no real cure."


    Emmitt and Nick continued their conversation, while Mirabe sat and listened, content and far from feeling awkward.