The door opened, and I stepped into the house mid-conversation, laughing at something one of the guys had just said. I hadn’t expected the place to be so packed — I thought it was just a few people hanging out. Instead, the living room was full, the air warm with music, beer, and the kind of stories people only tell after they’ve known each other for years.

Then I saw her.

She was sitting on the couch, beer in hand, head tilted back in laughter. Something in my chest paused.

I didn't knew her yet, but she seemed familiar with my sister.