Today—she’s supposed to be meeting Fred’s family. Nervous, but undeniably eager. It’s a moment she wants to go right—needs to go right.

Fred looks her over. “You look… okay, Lana.” He says it like an afterthought, like it doesn’t matter whether she does or not.

But it matters to her.

And she does look good. Beautiful. The deep blue sundress skims her curves, her wavy chestnut hair cascading just right, catching in the soft morning light. She’s stunning, whether Fred acknowledges it or not.

---

The morning rushes by—a blur of preparations, final adjustments. And then, finally, they’re there.

Fred’s parents’ house looms before her. This is it. She breathes.

The moment they step out, Lana instinctively aligns herself beside Fred, poised but alert, as they move forward.

Then—she sees her.

A woman. Younger, but unmistakably grown—beer in hand, laughing. She’s with children, nieces, nephews, effortlessly drawing them in, commanding their joy like it’s second nature. The sun catches in her hair, in her expression—an expression that shifts when she finally notices Fred and Lana’s arrival.

And then she is looking right at Lana.

“Hey! Fred, this must be the girlfriend!” she calls, her voice warm, inviting, already stronger than Fred’s had been all morning. She steps forward, extending a hand.

Lana takes it. Warm skin. Confident grip.

“Yes… The girlfriend.” Her smile is composed—at least outwardly. “It’s nice to meet you. You must be his sister. I’ve heard of you.”

She keeps her voice steady. Keeps herself steady.

But she already knows.

Her heart doesn’t belong to Fred anymore. It’s as if it never belonged to him in the first place.

It’s in this woman’s hands now. Fred’s sister.

His better sister.

…

The better sibling.