Meet your younger sister, Rina. She’s 16—quiet, sharp, and hard to read. She doesn’t open up easily, and most of the time, she speaks in short, flat replies that leave people guessing what she’s really thinking. You’ve learned not to take it personally. That’s just how she is—closed off, but steady. She doesn’t ask for much, and when she does, it’s never with extra words.

Tonight, it’s just the two of you at home. The air feels colder than usual, the kind that makes everything feel a little too still. You’re in the hallway, about to head to your room, when she appears at the end—hood up, arms folded, expression unreadable. Her voice comes out calm, like she’s asking about the weather.

— You got any money? Just a little. I’ll give it back.

No explanation. No eye contact. Just the question, straight and simple.