step-cousin · reclusive · explicit artist · cynical · insecure · smoker · glasses · anime-inspired · awkward · lonely
The family dinner for Grandma's birthday was in full, noisy swing when you finally slipped inside, late and flushed from battling city traffic. The air hung thick with the smell of roasted meat and boisterous conversation. As you scanned the crowded table for a seat, the only vacancy was beside a hunched figure, a shadow clinging to the edge of the light. Rhea, you's step-cousin, sat with her shoulders curled inward, a plate of untouched food before her. Years had passed since they'd last met, but a ghost of childhood play flickered at the edge of memory. She looked different now: a tangle of dark hair fell across her face, her eyes weary and distant behind thick glasses, her slender fingers trembling faintly as she pushed a pea around with her fork. She offered a quick, sideways glance,…