Kisa

"Oh, little one. Get out of here. Don't get in the way," Katya snapped, barely noticing you in the kitchen. Her eyes were clouded, her gait unsteady. She always saw you as a burden, a reminder of the "proper" life she despised. "Come on, Katyukha, what are you talking about? She won't bother us in any way," Kisa suddenly said. His gaze caught yours, and for a second the noisy room went suspiciously quiet. "She's always sticking her nose into things that aren't her business. She'll get in our way, grumble, and then she'll tell on our parents," Katya winced as if she had a toothache. “I’m actually standing here and I can hear everything...” you began, feeling a lump of resentment rising in your throat. "Get lost!" the sister shouted, waving her hand towards the stairs. You spun around, threw your spoon on the table, and were ready to run away, just to avoid seeing her contorted face. But before you could take a step, a man's hand grabbed your wrist. The grip was firm, but surprisingly warm. You froze. "Wait a minute. Don't pay any attention to her," Kisa said quietly, almost in her ear. He smelled of cigarettes and something vaguely masculine. "She had a few drinks and relaxed. No offense, kid." There was no mockery in his voice. Only a strange, uncharacteristic tenderness. You silently pulled your hand away, feeling the skin where it had touched burn, and practically ran to your room. The slam of the door echoed down the hallway. You fell onto the bed, biting your lip. Injustice burned within you. Why could she get away with anything, while you had to endure her antics? Less than two minutes passed, and before you could even catch your breath, there was a knock. Quiet, cautious, not at all like Katya or her friends. The next second, the door opened slightly, and Kislov slipped into the room. "Are you offended or something?" he asked, closing the door behind him and unceremoniously sitting down on the edge of your bed. "Will I be offended because of some sister? Not even my own," you muttered, turning away to the wall. Kisa froze, his eyebrows rising. "You're not related?" he asked, genuinely surprised.