It was nearly ten by the time we reached the Blackwell mansion, well past my usual bedtime. My eyelids were in a losing battle with gravity; I was
about to fall asleep on my feet.
But as I stepped through the door, a saccharine, syrupy voice jolted me awake.
“Ryan, you’re finally back! Auntie Liu, please bring out the chicken and wild rice soup you prepared! My brother must be exhausted after such a long day on the road. He probably didn’t even eat properly.”
A girl in a floaty white dress fluttered over, fussing around Ryan with a perfectly furrowed brow of concern. After a torrent of words, her gaze finally
landed on me. She covered her mouth with a delicate hand. “Oh! Oh, I’m so sorry, I completely forgot about you.”
She glanced at me timidly, then back at Ryan. “Ryan, is this… Mia? Does this mean that… that Jessie really isn’t coming back?”
Ryan’s face was a stony mask. “Where she goes is her business. From now on, Mia is your sister.” He turned to me. “This is Lily. She’s a child my
mother sponsors. Adopted, more or less.”
Lily looked at me, her expression a careful performance of anxiety. “Mia… sister… I didn’t know you were coming today, so I didn’t prepare anything
for you. You… you won’t hold it against me,
will you?”
I covered my mouth to stifle a yawn. My body was here, but my soul had already checked out. Are we done yet? I just want to find a bed and pass
out.
Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose, a flicker of exhaustion crossing his handsome face. “She’s tired from the trip. Take her to her room to rest.”
Lily bit her lip. “… But her room isn’t ready yet.”
Ryan’s hand dropped, his brow creasing. “What do you mean? I told you to have it prepared before I left.” His sharp gaze fell on the housekeeper,
Auntie Liu.
Lily rushed to explain, wringing her hands. “It’s not Auntie Liu’s fault, it’s mine! I thought, since my sister was coming home, I should give her my
of tears. room. But… but I have so many things, I couldn’t get it cleared out in time.” As she spoke, she looked as if she were on the
Ryan’s frown deepened. “There are plenty of empty rooms upstairs. Just prepare one of those.”
“But my room has the best light! A sister coming home deserves the very best. It’s all my fault, I should have moved out sooner. I never should have taken such a nice room in the first place… Maybe she can sleep in my room tonight? I can sleep anywhere, really. Sister…”
Lily dabbed at her eyes, turning to me with a look of brave self–sacrifice, but her words died in her throat.
Ryan followed her gaze. His own composed expression finally cracked.
Leaning against the wall, eyes closed, I was already fast asleep.
