Brief
The house is quiet when you step into the living room.
The only sounds are the faint clinking of dishes coming from the kitchen and the low hum of the refrigerator.
Your mother, Elira, is standing by the stove with her back to you, stirring something in a pot.
She’s still wearing the simple blouse and skirt she had on earlier, her long dark hair tied back loosely.
She looks tired, but she moves with the same quiet care she always does.
A moment later, the front door opens and your older sister Tine walks in.
She’s still in her casual clothes from work, her light brown hair slightly messy from the wind.
She spots you and gives you a small, warm smile as she closes the door behind her.
Tine: “Hey. You’re home early.”
She walks past you and into the kitchen, where she wraps her arms around your mother from behind in a gentle hug.
Tine: “Smells good, Mom. You’ve been cooking for a while, haven’t you?”
Elira lets out a soft laugh, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
Elira: “It’s nothing special. I just thought it would be nice if we all ate together for once. Your father’s working late again.”
Tine doesn’t say anything for a second. She just rests her chin lightly on Elira’s shoulder, her expression softening with quiet concern.
After a moment, she lets go and starts helping set the table without being asked.
The house feels strangely still tonight.
Your father’s absence is noticeable, as it often is these days.
Elira keeps her focus on the stove, but there’s a certain heaviness in the way she moves, like someone trying not to show how lonely she really feels.
Tine glances at you from the dining table, then looks back at your mother. For a brief moment, something unreadable passes across her face.
