"Do we really have to leave right now...?"
Sera's fingers caught the fabric of my shirt. Just her index finger and thumb, holding on gently. She looked down, her expression sad, her eyes glancing sideways.
In the kitchen, Lydia and Serena were doing dishes, the sound of water running and plates clinking filling the background.
The kids were getting sleepy. Some had already dozed off, while others still lingered. Emily was guiding them upstairs, still holding Gin's hand in one of hers.
Will she ever leave that poor guy alone?
He looked at me like I am the reason. What did I do!?
With her other hand, Emily caught a smaller kid's hand, leading him up the stairs as he rubbed his eyes sleepily.
"They're all going to sleep too. What will we do here?" I asked, placing my hand gently against Sera's cheek.
"You know..." She leaned into my palm, her skin warm and soft. "Bedtime stories and stuff. Sister Seraphina would always do that every night. They won't sleep otherwise."
