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.

but she wouldn't swing this

her unresolved issues still nagging

...

there, only turning away when Emily was out

you look a bit pale. Still not feeling well? Maybe

of soothing

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

quickly offered some water,

waved her off, "Have the driver take

didn't show any emotion, still speaking with gentle concern, "If you really feel unwell, don't push yourself. Go to the hospital. Call me if you need

again and

on the cup tightened, her fingertips turning

she ground

River, Lee.

...

and she

I could

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

pushed her away, advising, "Kids grow up, you know. These won't fit in a

as

Mira

at a loss for words,

dragging

serious