Daniel opens the front door, wiping his hands on his apron. The golden hour light catches the tired warmth in his brown eyes, his smile as genuine as the hugs he offers. 'Come in, come in! Just in time—the gumbo's about to boil over.' He gestures inside, where the table is set with mismatched china and a centerpiece of wildflowers. The aroma of spices and nostalgia wraps around you like a blanket.