It's a calm morning. School's off, and the house feels oddly quiet. But Ami isn't planning to rest.
She dresses with casual grace---a pale lavender top and jeans, hair brushed and tied into a low ponytail.
There is no rush in her movements, just careful calculation.
She walks downstairs, where her father sits on the couch with a tablet, sipping coffee. Her stepmother scrolls through her phone nearby.
"Dad?" she says softly, stepping into the room.
Her father looks up.
"Yes?"
"Is there anything you need to send to Aron today? I thought I could drop off lunch for him at the hospital."
He raises an eyebrow. "Why the sudden interest?"
Ami smiles gently. "I haven't seen him in a while. Just thought he might like some company."
Her stepmother chimes in. "That's sweet of you. Aron always forgets to eat when he's working."
"Exactly," Ami replies.
"Alright. Thanks, Ami. That's very thoughtful.
The hospital looms ahead as Ami steps off the bus. It looks the same as always---sterile, clean, efficient.
She walks in calmly, holding a neat food container. At the reception, she politely asks where to find Dr. Aron. A nurse directs her to the doctors' lounge.
Inside, Aron is hunched over paperwork, looking sleep-deprived. Ami steps in without a word and sets the food down in front of him.
Aron: "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here."
Ami: "Ah, I just came to deliver lunch. I missed you, brother."
Aron: "Didn't I tell you not to wander around alone? Who told you to come here?"
Ami: "I was going to bring Alia too, but she said she has plans with her guy friends. And what's wrong with visiting my own brother?"
Aron: "Cut the crap. Alia did what? She's hanging out with those boys after I specifically told her not to?"
Ami: "Ah, don't stress about it too much... maybe she wasn't feeling too good."
Aron: "Enough. Don't try to cover for her."
Ami: "Alright, alright. Just eat the meat before it gets cold. I'll leave soon."
Aron: "Next time, don't pull this stunt again."
Ami: "Okay… but brother, I overheard something strange. Father was saying he's unsure whether to trust you with the inheritance. He said Alia seems like the more suitable candidate."
Aron: "What?! You heard that? Father actually said that?"
Ami: "I don't know why he said it. Did you do something wrong? I just thought you should know. I care about you... I don't want you to end up in a bad position with father."
Aron: (gritting his teeth) "Ugh, let me think about it. Just... give me some space."
Ami: "Sure. I'll head out now. I'm meeting some friends."
Aron: "Wait. Do your brother a favor. Keep your ears open around Father. Tell me everything."
Ami: "Obviously, I will."
(Ami's POV: Nicely done. Just planted the seed of distrust. Funny how I used to be the clueless little sister, giving everything without asking why.)
"Okay then. See you at home!"
Aron: "Wait. Who are you meeting? Nyra?"
Ami: "Nah. New friends. I'll introduce them to you later."
(Aron's POV: She has other friends? Huh. I always thought she was just a loser.)
An hour later, Ami is sitting at a corner table in a small cafe, sipping cold coffee. The cafe is cozy, with soft jazz music in the background. Soha and Sneha arrive soon after, their faces already filled with questions.
Soha: "Ami, what the hell is going on?"
Ami: "I know I have so much to explain."
Sneha: "It's just so toxic that I don't even have words for it. Like, we knew your family was messed up, but murder?!"
Soha: "Are you really going to be okay? Living under the same roof as the people who... killed your mother?"
Ami: (calmly) "Yeah. They won't dare lay a finger on me. Not with the inheritance locked in my name till I'm twenty."
Sneha: "You're way too calm about this."
Ami: "Calm is strategy. If I show even a hint of knowing something, they'll go defensive. I need them relaxed."
Soha: "You've got a plan?"
Ami: "Yeah. Play nice. Act dumb. Win their trust. Plant doubt. Collect proof. Then---strike hard."
Sneha: "Sounds dangerous."
Ami: "Dangerous is living with murderers and not knowing it. Now that I know? They're the ones who should be scared."
Soha: "You're seriously going full spy mode."
Ami: "Call it survival. I'll wear the mask until I don't have to."
Sneha: "If you ever need backup--"
Ami: "I'll call. For now, let me handle this."
Soha: "I admire you, but it terrifies me too. Like... this is some real-deal dark stuff."
Ami: "They tried to take everything from me. But I'm still standing. And I'm not just going to stand----I'm going to win."
They sit there for a while, talking through the plan. Sneha keeps glancing around, nervous. Soha looks torn between fear and pride.
The waitress brings over a refill. None of them touch it.
Their friendship, though, solidifies. In secrets, in trust, in shared danger.