It had been a long day, and Lavender was overstimulated.

In reality, it was only really the early afternoon. But with babysitting her younger sister, her mum and Vi’s baby Cassie, and going out shopping for summer and then lunch, she was out of it.

Lavender hated shopping. But swimsuits were fun, and lunch was good. She and Vi had done it to bond, even if they’d known each other for almost five years.

But shortly into lunch, Lavender became partially nonverbal. She spoke to the waiter, and then…didn’t touch her food, only her glass of Sprite, using the bubbles to try and regulate herself. Vi quickly caught on and brought her home, no questions asked. Lavender was now just in a bad mood because of it, though not mad at anyone. Maybe herself, if she really thought about it.

Now, she lied on top of her covers, eyes half shut. She was tired enough to nap for a long time but her half-shed tears kept her awake. She was pissy, and ashamed, and overstimulated, and exhausted.

Her eyes flicked up to Caitlyn, her mum, as she entered the bedroom quietly, the door gently rubbing against the plush carpet. It made her insides shrivel.