"Ava, you're hesitant. Why? Aria's glare was sharper than her voice.
With the weight of her accusation pressing down on my chest, I held my breath. Since her return, Aria's intensity had not decreased, and although she was perfectly entitled to demand answers, I wasn't prepared to provide them. The reality was too complicated and delicate, and speaking it aloud would just throw off the delicate equilibrium I had been trying to keep.
"It's complicated," I said, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper. My hands were shaking, but I pretended to be preoccupied with the teacup on the counter as I looked away.
"Difficult?" Aria's voice was filled with incredulity. "You're my sister." My relatives. You should be the one to support me.
Family. I felt my barriers falter as the word hit a nerv
