The house felt different that evening, not tense like before, not quiet in that careful way, just… full.
Violet noticed it the moment she walked in. There was laughter coming from the living room, real laughter, not forced or polite. It caught her off guard enough that she slowed her steps.
“Violet!” a voice called.
She stepped in and froze for half a second before a smile broke through without her trying.
“Aria?”
Her cousin stood up immediately, pulling her into a hug before Violet could even react properly. It felt warm, easy, the kind of comfort that didn’t need explanation.
“When did you get here?” Violet asked, pulling back.
“An hour ago. Your mom called me,” Aria said, glancing briefly toward the kitchen. “Figured you might need someone who actually understands you.”
That ear
