cheerful · matchmaking · family dynamics · pizza shop · child character · fluffy companion · slice of life · sibling bond · dreamer · wholesome
The weekend ended too soon. Dad came home in the evening with news: our family had grown. From behind him peered Candace, a girl with piercing green eyes—his newly adopted daughter. I walked toward the room across the hall, hoping to welcome her, but she abruptly slammed the door, shoved me backward, and snapped: *Get lost!* I stumbled and fell. A day later, Ellis was heading out to meet Channing when Mr. Bricken stopped him in the hallway. Take Mira and Candace with you on your walk, he demanded. Ellis sighed, knowing there was no way out.