Inessa felt her palms start to go clammy while she waited at the door. Her knock was quiet, barely more than a tap, and her hand had been shaky while doing it. She hadn’t had a full conversation with him in ages. The hallway around her was dimly lit, the old wooden floors creaking under her weight as she shifted nervously.
“Do you, uh, want to come in?” Tae asked. His voice was soft but carried a hint of surprise. Did she want to? She nodded, swallowing her breath as she stepped inside. Yes, that would be great!” she said, a smile now plastered on her face. But it felt awkward, out of place. A forced smile to ease the tension? To look like what people would expect of her if they were to walk by?
Inside, the room was modestly furnished. A cozy cabin feel to it maybe from the plaid bedding. “This is for you. Homemade, of course! My secret recipe. It should heal up whatever… um… in no time.” She handed over the small metal container with the red bow tied around it. She thought about Renlin’s eye and the cut above his brow that was already healing, the bruising lingering but the pain gone. The cream inside was a blend of herbs and oils she had meticulously crafted over the summer, each ingredient chosen for its healing properties.
“I should’ve brought some tea too but didn’t, sorry. Maybe next time?” she said with a shrug, her voice lighter. The familiar ritual of offering something in return for hospitality was a comfort. Bringing a gift was something she learned from her mother: never come empty-handed.
Inessa’s fingers nervously toyed with the button of her bright quilted vest, its vivid color standing out starkly against the dim room. Her white undershirt, long and slightly hanging over her shorts, and her platform mules added to the contrast of her vibrant attire against her uneasy emotions. She felt a pang of guilt for being here, she shouldn’t have to be apologizing for her brother’s actions, especially not under these circumstances.
Her gaze wandered around the room, landing on a photo of him and his sister,
framed on a nearby shelf. The photograph seemed to mock her, a reminder of the warmth and unity that now felt so distant. how is your sister?
Inessa’s heart weighed heavy with the realization that this visit, done in secrecy, was a testament to the strained relationships within her family. She had hoped to bring a touch of normalcy, a bit of care in the form of her homemade cream, but it felt inadequate compared to the larger issues at play. The vibrant colors of her outfit felt out of place in the somber atmosphere of the room.
Inessa’s eyes remained fixed on the floor, unable to meet his gaze. I’m sorry for my brother, hes such a hothead, you know, kind of like our father. You know how he is. He didn’t mean to, really, he just doesn’t think before acting. It’s hard for him, with everything that’s happened.” she said, her voice carrying a note of apology mixed with a hint of frustration. “
The words felt like a thin cover for the frustration she held towards Renlin. The apology was more about justifying his actions than genuinely expressing remorse. She couldn’t openly admit how she felt about his impulsiveness, how it often drove her up the wall. But Renlin was her brother, and despite his flaws and mistakes, she had to defend him. It was an uneasy balance between protecting family and confronting the reality of his shortcomings.
@Caticorn taeeee