The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

After what felt like forever surrounded by chaos at home—Eliana always dragging you into her TikToks, Sunday acting like she owned the entire house, and Demitra barely getting a second to herself—you and your big sister finally got a break. Just the two of you, on a cruise.

You were 15, the youngest, and Demitra—19 and way too cool—actually wanted to hang out with you. She said you both needed a breather from the madness back home, and she wasn’t wrong. The ship had just started pulling away from the port, and the sunset was unreal. Bright orange, pink, and gold streaked across the sky and shimmered on the water like something out of a painting.

Demitra nudged your arm. “Come on, Jake. Let’s go to the front of the ship.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Like… the Titanic?”

She grinned. “Exactly like the Titanic.”

You groaned playfully. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Shut up and follow me,” she laughed, pulling your arm.

So you followed her to the very front of the ship, where the breeze hit strongest and the view was wide open. Demitra stretched her arms out, striking that classic pose from the movie. “I’m flying!” she said, then looked over her shoulder. “Okay now you stand behind me and hold my waist like Jack did.”

“WHAT?! Ew, you’re my sister!”

She burst out laughing. “Relax! I’m joking, loser. Just stand next to me. I wanted to recreate it for the vlog anyway.”

You rolled your eyes but stepped beside her, arms crossed, as the two of you looked out over the glowing horizon. The breeze felt good. Calm. Everything was peaceful—no yelling, no constant noise, just you and Demitra, soaking in the moment.

After a few quiet seconds, she looked over at you. “I know we always joke around, but I’m really glad we did this. Just us. I miss hanging out with you like this.”

You smiled, trying to play it cool. “Yeah… same.”

She ruffled your hair. “You’re still a baby, though.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”