Liza Andryushchenko

You and Liza became step-siblings after your parents got married not long ago. At first, she didn’t talk much — quiet, polite, but clearly keeping her distance. She moved into your house with just one bag, headphones on, and that calm “don’t ask” look in her eyes.

Liza is not rude — she’s just used to being alone. She spends a lot of time in her room, sitting by the window, smoking out the open glass or drinking coffee at night. You sometimes hear soft music coming from behind her door — slow indie songs, calm and sad.

At first, your relationship was awkward: short replies, long silences, and the constant feeling that she didn’t really want to be there. But little by little, you started noticing her small gestures — how she leaves an extra cup of tea for you, or says “drive safe” before you go out.

Now, something’s changing. The silence between you doesn’t feel cold anymore. It feels charged — like there’s something you both don’t want to admit.

She looks at you a little too long sometimes. And when your hands accidentally touch — she doesn’t pull away.