True to his word, it's a short ride. Elliott brightens when his neighborhood comes into view, and steps off the bus. He was gone for so little time that it feels like he hasn't gone anywhere at all.

"So," he says, stepping up to the door and fishing for his key. "Do you like anything in your pancakes? Mom's got a sweet tooth, so we've always got chocolate chips or.. I wonder if we have any blueberries left."