a surprisingly positive outlook, flashing a

met yesterday at the cafe – his piercing blue eyes

ght to herself, "I doubt I'll ever se

nny Love" by Bon Iver, signallin

said, trying to sound cheerful despite

's the job hunt going?"

tant failures, "Well...not so great, but I haven't given

"Oh, that's good hon...I hope you do soon though,

– she wanted to shout: "I kno

Sure Mom, you'll be the fir

th love, "Love you

before hanging up, feeling deplete

he mysterious stranger sweeping her off her feet and maki

es crinkled at the corners when he laughed. Her heart skipped a beat

hlighted the dust particles dancing in t

her small apartment – the same four walls she'd been st

a harmonious knock at her front door interrupted her – a rare unexpect

- Jasmine , her sister , with long, raven-black hair cascading

t be happening" – as Jasmine grabbed her into a tight hug."Hey

us, "Hi Jasmine, wow, this is a surprise

sume 'something bad happened' Aurora,

7 years ago! In fact, even then I was old enough to understand

ed, "Hey, calm down...if I knew this was the reaction I'

e, "Oh come on! You seriously

this way just to catch up on

d to take up all the responsibility and

ping with bills and paperwork, skipping school events to care for their pare

her tone laced with sarcasm – "But really, you left to chase your stu

s, her voice sugary sweet, "Aurora

music management – you were even

w, music management... that's rich coming from someone

kstar wannab

er. Suddenly, Jasmine's expression softened, and she said, "I br

ver her – this gift would buy her time to continue j

rary financial solution, suspicion about Jasmine's true motives,

you, Jasmine... but why now? After seven

y. They're my parents too. I've been thinking

Rory" since Jasmine left. She searched Jasmine's eyes – and saw hi

eally going on?" A

sn't just about Mom a

ptible before she replied, "Can'

much to

a shiver ran do

secrets her sist