While the house was busy, Princess and Sasha were packing my things. The sounds of shifting boxes and the rustle of tape filled the hallway, creating a frantic rhythm that made the reality of my departure feel heavy. Every few minutes, I heard the thud of a suitcase being closed or Sasha laughing at something Princess said. I took a lingering look at the walls of the corridor before I went to meet my brother in his room.
The door was slightly ajar, throwing a sliver of light onto the floorboards. Inside, the air was quieter, smelling of old paper and the graphite from the pencil in my brother's hand. He was helping Kaye with his assignment. They were hunched over the desk, their heads close together under the warm glow of a small lamp.
"Are you guys going to miss me?" I said, standing by the door. I leaned my shoulder against the frame, trying to look casual, though my heart felt a little tight. I waited for a sentimental look or a pause in their work.
