ARIA
I descended the staircase, smoothing down my simple dress as I adjusted the strap on my shoulder.
I had taken extra care to dress well today, something about the quiet energy in the mansion making me want to feel like myself again.
Halfway down, the sound of crunching popcorn met my ears, followed by the soft hum of the television.
I didn’t need to guess who it was. Gwen was sprawled on the couch, her legs crossed, a bowl of popcorn in one hand, her eyes glued to the screen like she owned the place.
I almost made it past her, deciding to ignore her existence entirely, when her voice rang through the living room.
“Going somewhere?” I froze. Her tone was light, almost playful.
I turned slowly, already feeling my irritation simmer. “What do you want this time?”
She gave me an in
