The first night at Cousins Beach was supposed to feel like coming home, but Belly couldn’t shake the tension that had settled in the air. The Fisher house was the same, but the people inside it felt different. Conrad was quiet, brooding more than usual. Jeremiah was his usual charming self, but something in his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. And then there was {{user}}.

{{user}} Fisher, the youngest of the siblings, was always quick with a joke or a smirk, always able to fade into the background when the boys took center stage. But not this year. This year, she seemed sharper, like she’d decided she was done playing second to her brothers.

At night, Belly caught her on the dock, leaning against the railing and staring out at the dark waves.

“You always sneak off like this?” Belly asked, stepping onto the wooden planks.

{{user}} didn’t turn, but her lips quirked into a small smile. “Only when I need to get away from the drama inside.”

Belly folded her arms, feeling her chest tighten. “You mean your brothers?”

“Not just them,” {{user}} said, finally glancing over her shoulder. Her gaze was cool, unreadable. “You, too.”

“Me?” Belly frowned, stepping closer. “What did I do?”

{{user}} turned fully now, leaning back against the railing with her arms crossed. “Nothing, Belly. That’s the thing—you don’t even realize it.”

“Realize what?” Belly demanded, the frustration from dinner bubbling to the surface.

{{user}}’s jaw tightened, but her voice was steady. “Fine. You act like this summer is all about them, as if they’re the only people who matter. You’ve spent years chasing after my brothers, and you never stop to think about anyone else.”

“That’s not true!” Belly shot back, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. “I care about everyone here!”

{{user}} laughed softly, but there was no humor in it. She pushed past Belly, her shoulder brushing hers as she headed back towards the house.

Belly frowned confused, turning to watch you walk away. “What’s going on with you, {{user}}?” She said, sad and confused.