The call with Nora still echoed in Amelia’s ears long after it ended. Her sister's words had nestled into the quiet corners of her heart like a warm blanket—comforting, but heavy with the truth she couldn’t ignore anymore. She sat on her bed for a while, staring at nothing, trying to come to terms with the new clarity that had settled over her.
When she finally emerged from her room, the golden-orange hue of evening had spilled across the house. She found Valenie in the kitchen, dancing barefoot to some mellow indie pop song, stirring pasta in a pot like it was the most important job in the world.
Amelia leaned against the doorframe, smiling softly. “Need a sous chef?”
Valenie turned with a grin. “God, yes. I’ve been starving myself all day just to enjoy this meal.”
“You say that like
