ste'

e, it was all symmetry and shadows, hidden behind tall iron gates and hedges clipped to military precision

e Araya kn

, wasn't peacefu

er side, carefully manicured gardens bloomed in forced harmony rows of white roses, blue hydrange

mother once said. "And

ttled Celes

The same lights were always on always in the right places. A house never caught o

d by the front door, hand resting on the antique brass handle, breathing in the scent of ro

techni

ot re

against the marble foyer polished to mirror shine. Every surface gleamed. Every object was deliberate.

m came laughter. Fa

alled out before she even rounded

carefully onto her face. She kissed Celeste's cheek twice, once for warmth, once f

Celeste's hair in a way that made her feel like a

mall smile. "Hospi

ver-haired, every inch of him still wrapped in authority. His suit was

time," he said.

s, fresh-baked bread in a silver basket. Enough food for ten, but only the thre

the perform

ust another S

ed on their calen

Her mother's birthday.

hat saved

eone else l

r glass. The scent of it was heavy-red, full-bodied, l

r father said, chuckling. "Li

ords caught somew

saved felt like

rn to ash in her mouth. Her mother was

lle said, eyes glistening. "We're so pr

ut the smile didn

hat the world applauded. Generous. P

all there was a fractu

ey told her. Sixteen year

k – Ten

oxygen tube brushing her cheek. IVs i

r bedside like a general d

heart. We've... arranged everythi

tion, too tired to speak. His hand was on her forehead, reas

beside her, h

e had whispered. "It's going to be

at was

was. No ceremony. Just

he years like mold in t

to Pr

er the chandelier's glow. She could hear the wind outside bru

iet, Celeste. Some

er head. "J

t over like a wrinkle in a silk sheet. "We've been thin

carefully curated vacation, pretending e

ake time off. The hosp

d, mildly disappointed. "You know you

ace. Above it, the same photograph hung as always. The th

fe, haven't we?" he said quietly. "We did what we th

e it

ken justi

ransa

cause we mad

ing in her ears. "I should go. I ha

They never did when sh

r mother called, already

at her skin, but it was th

e to start the engine just yet. Her reflection stared back a

beat steadily, faithful

osed h

weeks, she whispered the n

Eli