The front door clicked open, and the familiar sound of footsteps echoed lightly in the hallway.
“Mom!” Aniela’s voice brightened immediately, relief and surprise mingling together.
“Oh, you’re back,” she said, rising from the couch, brushing imaginary dust off her hands.
“Yeah… what’s all the fuss about?” Olivia asked, her eyes flicking between Aniela and Orifiel, curiosity mixing with concern.
Aniela froze for a second, noticing her mother’s gaze lingering a little too long.
Then Olivia’s eyes widened, scanning the side of her daughter’s head. “What… what is that? That bruise on your head? Are you okay?”
Aniela’s chest tightened. Do I tell her? Or do I just lie?
“I… I just fell,” she said quickly, voice careful, rehearsed.
“Fell? Fell from where?” Olivia’s voice sharpened slightly
