Time did not stop for grief.
It moved forward slowly and quietly, carrying Nikel and Elora with it.
By the time Elora turned fifteen, the small house felt even smaller than before. The walls were more worn, and the roof had been patched too many times to count, yet it still stood—just like them.
Inside the house, Elora lay on the couch, half-asleep. Her ginger-colored hair spilled across her face, and the afternoon light brushed softly against her skin.
Outside, Nikel walked home with his friend Adam.
"That girl was obviously interested in you," Nikel said. "Why did you turn her down?"
"I just didn't like her," Adam replied.
Nikel laughed. "What, are you gay?"
Adam laughed too. "No. I'm straight."
"Good," Nikel said. "You're finally meeting my sister today."
Adam smiled. "I can't wait to meet the sister you talk about all the time."
When they entered the house, Adam froze.
Elora was still lying on the couch.
Nikel leaned down and shouted, "Little witch! Little witch!"
Elora jumped awake. Nikel pinched her cheek, and she slipped, landing on the floor with a yelp.
Adam stared.
Elora whispered something into Nikel's ear, making him chase her around the house. Laughing, she stumbled and grabbed the nearest thing she could—Adam's shirt.
They both fell.
For a moment, everything went quiet.
Elora was beneath Adam. Adam caught himself with one hand against the floor. Their eyes met, and neither of them spoke.
Adam quickly stood up, flustered. Elora sat up, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "What's your name?"
"Adam."
She smiled. "I know. My brother talks about you a lot."
Before anything else could be said, Nikel asked, "Where's Dad?"
Elora's smile disappeared.
"The doctor said his condition is getting worse," she said, her voice shaking. "And we don't have enough money."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Why does everyone leave? First Mom…"
Nikel pulled her into a hug. "I'm not leaving. I'll always be here."
Elora wiped her tears and went upstairs to check on their father.
Later, she returned and quietly asked Adam, "Have you ever lost someone?"
Adam hesitated. "Yes. Both my parents."
His expression darkened, and Elora didn't ask more
"I should go," Adam said. "Tell Nikel I'll see him later."
After he left, Elora sat alone on the couch, her thoughts unsettled.
She didn't understand what she felt—only that her heart felt strangely restless.
And that scared her.