HE WASN’T THE MONSTER BUT CAME FROM ONE

"Forced to Be Frozen"

Scene - Kia & Tia

The evening light was soft, almost lazy, as Kia stepped through the front door. The sitting room was empty. She dropped her keys gently on the table and glanced around, letting her eyes drift before heading toward her and Tia's shared room.

Tia lay curled up on the bed, the quiet figure of someone retreating from the world.

Kia's lips curved into a soft smile as she approached.

"Babe, I'm home."

In an instant, Tia sat up, arms wrapping around her sister with a grip that was both desperate and familiar.

"Welcome, mine," Tia whispered.

Kia smiled again, shrugging off her coat and letting it tall to the tloor. She sat beside her, brushing back a strand of Tia's hair. The room was quiet, yet the unspoken words between them were louder than any conversation.

Tia's eyes studied her.

"Did you cry?"

Kia blinked, caught off guard. She turned her gaze, masking the faint redness of her eyes.

"No. I didn't."

But Tia tilted her head with that knowing look she had carried since childhood — the one that said: You can't lie to me. I see you.

"Kia," Tia said softly. "You cried. I can tell. I know everything about you. Remember?"

Kia's lips pressed together. Silence.

Tia looked down, voice trembling ever so slightly.