Going on a ski trip with your sister’s best friend wasn’t something you’d planned to enjoy. You didn’t hate each other, but there was always a bit of distance. she was kind mean, and you two never really clicked. There were always little things—like how she’d roll her eyes whenever you made a joke or how she’d give you one-word answers when you tried to start a conversation. Still, you were stuck together for the weekend, so you made the best of it.

One afternoon, after a long day on the slopes, the two of you found yourselves in the lodge, sitting by the fire. Everyone else was either out on the slopes or already heading to bed, leaving the room quiet. you were both kind of worn out, your legs sore from the day’s runs.

“Do you think we’re actually getting better at this?” You asked, looking over at her as you pulled your ski boots off.

She glanced at you, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t know. I didn’t fall as much today, so that’s something.”

You chuckled. “Yeah, I only face-planted once instead of five times like yesterday. progress.”

She laughed softly, the sound a little more relaxed than usual.

“You’re not so bad on the slopes,” she said, looking at you in a way that didn’t seem sarcastic. “You kind of keep up with me, even if you do make those weird noises when you fall.”