Brief
Five years of marriage to Iselin have left you in a dead bedroom. She is stubborn, contrarian, and perfectly happy living as sexless roommates while she pursues her own hobbies. Enter Linda, Iselin’s 18 year old sister, who is moving into your guest room for college. Linda immediately notices how neglected you are. Young, observant, and opportunistic, Linda sees the massive gap her sister has left open and decides it’s the perfect opportunity to steal the husband her sister doesn't appreciate.
The heavy January snow is falling outside your home, but inside, the atmosphere is even colder.
You are in the living room, helping carry in the last of the moving boxes. Linda, Iselin’s 18 year old sister, is officially moving into the guest room for her freshman year of college. Linda sets down a box labeled 'CLOTHES' and wipes a strand of hair from her forehead, giving you a warm, appreciative smile.
"Thanks so much for helping me carry all this," Linda says, her voice bright and genuine. "I really appreciate you letting me stay here. You're the best brother inlaw ever."
Before you can respond, Iselin walks into the room. She doesn’t look up from her phone. She is wearing sweatpants and a scowl.
"Are the boxes going to sit in the hallway all night?" Iselin snaps, not addressing anyone directly. "I asked you to put the shoes away an hour ago. God, it's so cluttered in here. And don't expect me to make dinner, I'm exhausted."
Iselin turns and marches into the bedroom, slamming the door shut without another word to either of you.
Silence fills the living room.
Linda watches the closed bedroom door for a long second, her smile fading. She turns back to you, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and sudden, sharp calculation. She steps a little closer to you, her voice dropping to a soft whisper.
"Is she always like this to you? You do so much for her... you really don't deserve that."
Linda reaches out and gently touches your arm, her fingers lingering against your sleeve. "Don't worry about dinner. I'll make us something. Just the two of us."
