Ever’s finished her book, and several more in addition to that one. I’m doodling in the dirt when the messenger arrives. She arrives timidly, as though we were the good daughters. As though we were the ones that are like her.

“Word has been received that your brother is coming home.” She says, reciting it to the wall behind both of us. She pauses, almost as if to give space for an enter and a little ~ and then says “Your father”.

I leap to my feet, dancing excitedly around the room. “ASHE IS COMING HOME!” I hear Ever tell the messenger that they’re dismissed, which is something I should’ve done I just forgot. I grab her by the hands and pull her to her feet, her wings spreading a bit as she gains her balance. “It’s been years since we’ve seen him!”

“And it’s been years since we’ve seen Rae.” She says sullenly, folding her wings once again. Pausing in my joy, I stand still.

“Ever… I know you miss her, I miss her too… But can we enjoy having him back?” I ask softly. I know we’ll probably never be together again. Even if we were… it just wouldn’t be the same. Rae and Ever were always more subdued than Ashe and I. I know she misses Rae but we need to enjoy having Ashe back, however long he can stay.

“Yeah.” She smiles and puts on a brave face, holding onto my hands tightly. Smiling at her, I twirled her around, careful to leave room for her wings. “We’re gonna see our brother!” Dancing and laughing around our room, I allow myself to believe we can be happy. That nothing has changed.