Finding Holly

Preface

The smell of coffee drifted through the kitchen, mixing with the morning air slipping in through the open window. Hannah leaned against the counter, cradling her mug in both hands, watching as her twin sister rummaged through a duffle bag near the front door. Holly always packed light, just the essentials. Hannah, on the other hand, had a carefully written checklist sitting on the counter next to her, with three items already crossed off.

"Tell me you're bringing more than just that." Hannah took a sip, raising an eyebrow at the bag.

Holly snorted, "We're only going for a couple of weeks, not moving there."

"I'm just saying," Hannah said, setting her mug down, "If we get stranded in the woods, don't expect me to share my extra socks."

Holly smirked, tossing a rolled-up hoodie at her sister's head, "If we get stranded in the woods, I'll be the one keeping us alive."

Hannah caught it easily, laughing as she tossed it back. The teasing was familiar, comforting even. Their annual camping trip had always been the one constant in their lives, something that their parents had started with them when they were kids. A two-day drive from California to Washington, stopping at the same gas stations, eating at all the same diners along the way. No matter how chaotic their lives got, the tradition never changed.

Hannah pulled out her phone, checking the time. "I should get going. Got to make sure there's time to get breakfast. I'll meet you at the gas station after my shift."

"Don't be late!" Holly smiled as she called after her sister, shaking her head.

"I'm never late!" Hannah countered, only to have Holly shoot her a look, unimpressed. "... Fine. I'll try not to be late." Hannah conceded.

Holly smirked at the small victory, pulling the strap of her duffle bag over her shoulder. "See you later, bookworm." Hannah rolled her eyes, but couldn't hold back her smile as she grabbed her own bag and headed out the door.