Lost Me Gained Regret

"Hey there."

When Abby saw me, she flashed a warm, gentle smile my way. "Big sis, we meet again." She was indeed slightly younger than me, so the "big sis" term wasn't entirely out of place.

But we weren't close, only having met once before.

I had no clue where she got the idea to call me big sis.

Since she was all smiles, I could only respond politely, "Hi there."

Just as Abby was about to say something, Emily tugged me away.

"We've got things to do, no time to waste here."

I nodded at Abby, letting Emily pull me along.

Luke looked at me with those puppy dog eyes, so wide and bright, filled with the innocence of just starting out in the world. "Big sis, was that your friend just now?"

Before I could reply, Emily wrapped an arm around his neck and said, "Why so curious? She's nobody important to you, no need to know too much."

Luke obediently nodded, "I'll listen to big sis. If big sis says not to bother, then I won't."

My head felt itchy.

Feels like I'm growing smarter by the second.

This puppy dog brother and Abby are like two different species.

vary, but she wouldn't swing

her unresolved issues still

...

there, only turning away when Emily was out

look a bit pale. Still not feeling well? Maybe

soft tone seemingly capable of soothing all woes. But it

of her arm around that guy's neck, looking so close, made her feel suffocated. Loosening her tie, she felt an itch in her

quickly offered some water,

waved her off, "Have the driver take you

speaking with gentle concern, "If you really feel unwell, don't push yourself. Go to

waved again and

the cup tightened, her fingertips

ground out

River, Lee.

...

I did a round of shopping, and she ended up buying

couldn't stop her; all I could

an arm around my shoulders, "Don't be jealous, you're still my

up, you know. These

as she's worn

Mira has to look pretty every

was at a loss for

dragging

long, got serious stuff