Gremlins and Guardians

The door creaked open, and the girls returned, their breaths still heavy from the run. Del was carefully holding Rae’s Dexcom, checking it with practiced ease, while Rae clung to Remi’s back, half-grinning but clearly exhausted.

As they stepped into the room, Rae’s eyes locked on Will, Trey, and Elijah—her glare sharp and unyielding.

“I said a run,” Rae snapped, voice low and biting, “not team up on me.”

She shook her head, glaring. “Traitors.”

Remi eased her down gently, shooting a warning look at the boys as Rae caught her breath.

Will raised his hands, a sheepish grin spreading. “Hey, we were just looking out for you.”

Rae snorted, still glaring. “Well, next time, keep your traitorous teamwork to yourselves.”

Del smirked, nudging Rae’s side. “You’re lucky we’re on your side.”

The tension cracked with reluctant laughter, but Rae’s fierce spark didn’t fade. She was still the hacker, the fighter, and unapologetically herself.

Remi knelt down beside Rae, pulling a fresh Dexcom sensor from the small kit she always kept nearby. Aspen padded over, sniffing the new device curiously as Remi carefully prepped Rae’s arm.

“Alright, let’s get you set up,” Remi said softly, her fingers steady despite the tension still lingering in the room.

Rae shifted a little, wincing as the new sensor clicked into place. Aspen gave a low whuff, nudging Rae’s hand with her nose, as if making sure she was okay.

Del hovered close by, holding Rae’s old Dexcom gently in her hands, eyes flickering between Rae and the others. Trey leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, while Will and Elijah were seated nearby, quietly watching the scene unfold.

Just then, the front door opened, and Layla stepped in, carrying a warm container of ravioli and a tall glass of strawberry lemonade.

“Well, look what I brought,” Layla said with a warm smile. “Your favorite.”

Rae’s eyes lit up instantly, the fierce edge softening as she looked at the food. “I love you so much more than your daughter right now,” she teased, nodding toward Remi. “She’s a traitor… right along with Del.”

Del rolled her eyes but smiled softly, settling onto the couch. “Hey, I’m loyal… mostly.”

Layla laughed, setting the food down on the table. “You three are always up to something, and it usually ends with you falling over or causing chaos.”

Will chuckled and ruffled Aspen’s fur as the dog settled at Rae’s feet. “Sounds about right.”

Trey shook his head with a grin. “At least it’s never boring.”

Elijah smiled, sipping some water, adding, “Family doesn’t have to be perfect, just real.”

Remi shot Rae a fond look. “We keep life interesting.”

Rae grabbed a fork, digging into the ravioli with a satisfied sigh. For a moment, the heaviness lifted — replaced by the simple comfort of home, food, and family.

Once they finished eating, Rae wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and turned to Remi with a half-smirk.

“You called your mom to bring me my favorite food and drink just to put me in a better mood. I’m still grumpy, though,” Rae said, folding her arms.

Remi grinned and shrugged. “Yeah, you little gremlin. Someone’s gotta take care of you.”

Del chuckled from the couch, “She’s right, you do get stubborn.”

Trey nodded, leaning forward with a smirk. “Best way to handle the gremlin is with pasta and lemonade, apparently.”

Will laughed, shaking his head. “I’m just impressed that Remi’s mom knows exactly what you like.”

Elijah added with a smile, “Careful, Rae. You might just be the most spoiled human I know.”

Rae gave a mock glare but couldn’t hide the warmth in her eyes. “I’ll take it. But don’t expect me to go easy on any of you tomorrow.”

The group laughed, the moment of lightness a small but necessary break from everything they were facing.