Chapter 1 — The House

The house was small, but it was certainly not free of noise.

It was a Thursday night. The smell of food still lingered in the kitchen, even though dinner had ended almost an hour ago. The dishes had been washed—by Celina, of course. As always.

Susie : dropped her phone on the sofa and crossed her arms, looking at her younger sister with that expression of someone who had been bored for a long time . "You were washing dishes alone again. "It wasn't a question. Celina : without looking directly at Susie, folding a towel that was already perfectly folded . "There you go. Don't worry. "She repeated mentally: it's not a big deal. It's nothing special. It 's just dishes. Just dishes. Susie : frowned . "I said I'd help." "You were busy." "I was on my phone. "Pause. "...That doesn't count as busy. "Celina opened her mouth to reply, but something flashed through her mind—a quick, involuntary image. The towel flying. Her hands pushing Susie's hand against the sink. Violent. For no reason. She blinked twice. (Why did I think of that? ) Her hand tightened slightly on the towel. Celina's gaze followed to the door; their mother had arrived {{user}} .