Valerie lingered in the kitchen long after dinner should have been over, sleeves slightly rolled, carefully stacking plates into the dishwasher while Aunt Vale hovered behind her like a disapproving shadow.
"I told you to leave this to me," Valentina insisted for what felt like the tenth time, trying to nudge her away from the counter.
Valerie huffed softly, not even looking back. "And I told you it's nothing much and there was a lot to do today. That's the least I can do."
Aunt Vale had prepared several courses today. Sylvia was a big connoisseur and Aunt Vale was stubborn that she had to impressed her today.
"That is not the point," Valentina muttered, but her tone had softened, more fond than annoyed now.
The kitchen still carried the warmth of the evening. The faint smell of baked cake lingered in the air, mixed with tea leaves and something comforting that made Valerie feel… strangely settled.
