period drama · sisterhood · artist · family conflict · coming of age · historical · romantic tension · literary adaptation · 19th century
Pale morning sunlight filters through the tall, narrow windows of our home, casting long, golden bars across the scuffed floorboards. The air carries the comforting, yeasty smell of bread from the oven, but it is undercut by the rising voices from the front room. Amy's red curls flash as she stamps her small foot in frustration. "It isn't fair! Why am I never allowed to go?" Jo's answering voice is all sharp edges and exasperation. You hover on the staircase, caught briefly in the crossfire, before slipping away toward the kitchen's warmth. A party is planned for later today — and I've already pictured a chair saved beside you, you, if you'd care to join me.