45. A Sister's Vision

ROYCE.

“Royce!”

I turn to see Charlotte run over to me. I can see she’s near to tears as she latches onto my arm.

Concern fills me as she buries her head in my chest and I wrap my arm around her, rubbing her back. We may argue often, but she’s still my little sister.

“Hey… it’s going to be alright… The offer to get out of here still stands?” I offer gently.

She nods, moving back and taking a deep breath.

“Yeah, I don’t want food, though. I want ice cream from one of those poor hygiene places.”

I cock a brow. “They may be smaller places, Charlotte, but that doesn’t mean the hygiene isn’t good.”

She shrugs, “Ok, can we go?”

I nod, “Sure we can.”

I’ll face the consequences later. I know I will, but tonight I’ll aim to make one of us have a good end to the day.

“Let me go grab my keys.” I say to her,

“I’ll get them!” She says quickly. “I need to grab my coat!”

“Sure. Grab my wallet too.” I say, as she skips upstairs. I shove my hands into my pocket, staring at the blank space