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Before he knows what’s hit him, Mom drags him into one of her smothering hugs.He stands there helplessly with his arms hanging at his sides as she tries to squeeze the air from his lungs.After a moment, he returns her hug awkwardly with a gentle pat on her back.

“Where are my manners?”Mom exclaims, looking flustered as she finally lets him go.“Are you hungry?Would you like something to drink?We were just making lunch.”

Aruan’s smile is all smooth politeness.“We don’t want to inconvenience you.”

“Nonsense.”Mom bustles toward the kitchen.“You could never put us out.Why don’t you come through to the kitchen while I throw something together?”

“What day is it?”I ask.

Mom stops and frowns.“It’s Wednesday.”

“Why aren’t you at work?”

She fluffs out her hair, glancing at Dad.“We took some time off after… you know.”

“I’m so sorry.”I can’t say that enough.

Continuing on her way, she says in a bright voice, “Let’s focus on the moment.We don’t want to miss out on a second of having you here.”She spins around on the doorstep.“How long are you staying?”

“Only for the day,” I say, hating how disappointed she looks.

She pulls her back straight.“Then we’d better make the most of it.”

Dad stands and wipes his palms on his trousers.“I can grill a few steaks on the barbecue.”

“That’s a great idea.”Mom beams.“I’ll make the potato salad you like so much, Elsie.”

“Care to give me a hand, Aruan?”Dad asks.

Uh-oh.I feel a lecture coming.

Aruan raises a brow in my direction.

I shrug, grinning as I watch him follow Dad to the patio like someone walking into a lion’s den.

We spend a congenial afternoon together.Mom tells me about all the news I’ve missed out on, and Dad peppers Aruan with questions about his family and home.I soak up every minute of my parents’ presence, basking in how Mom tries to show her gratitude and love by feeding us until we can’t take another bite.

Aruan skillfully skirts around the questions my mom and dad ask about Zerra and its fauna and flora, not giving away more than necessary.I’m loving every second, but the closer it gets to sunset, the tenser I grow.

“Mom.”I cup her hand where she sits next to me.

She cuts short her blabbering about a new season of a television series I used to love.

When I have her attention, I say carefully, “We have to go soon.”

She shoots Aruan a panicked look.“Already?”

Dad remains stoically quiet, but I don’t miss the strain that sets in around his mouth.

“We only have until sunset,” I say, hating that I have to hurt them again when I leave.

Dad looks at Aruan.“Take good care of our daughter.”

“I will.”Aruan nods at my parents.“I give you my word.”

“Will you come visit us again?”Mom asks in a hopeful tone.

Biting my lip, I admit, “I don’t know if that will be possible.Aruan’s mother is the only Alit who can create portals to Earth for us, but as I told you, it’s forbidden.She made a huge concession for us today.”