Moving In

Shaking my head in amazement at how Lyra had single-handedly shifted the conversation's dynamics, igniting everyone's spirits, and how my mom and Reena had expertly steered it back to the original topic with a different tone, it was hard not to be somewhat impressed. Particularly Lyra, who had initiated this whole torrent of events. 

And catching her sly wink aimed at me, I couldn't help but conclude that it was all very much intentional.

"Ahem!" I cleared my throat, drawing their attention back to me, "You can all lower your hands now," and one by one, their hands descended. Just as I was about to resume speaking, "Knock!! Knockk!!!" the resounding sound of knuckles rapping against the door reverberated, followed by a booming voice, "Is everyone ready?"