Morning Sunshine

Jeanie bounced out of bed, her pink dress spinning as she twirled in front of the mirror. The sun streamed through the apartment windows, making everything sparkle.

"Bea! Wake up!" Jeanie called, skipping down the hallway. "It's such a beautiful day!"

Her adopted sister Bea peeked out from under her covers, rubbing sleepy eyes. "Five more minutes?"

Jeanie giggled and flopped onto Bea's bed. "But I want to show you my new necklace! And maybe we can watch A Normal Life of an Alien together?"

Bea smiled softly. "Okay, okay. You're like sunshine in the morning, Jeanie."

The apartment felt cozy and warm around them. Everything seemed perfect.

Spilled Milk

In the kitchen, Jeanie grabbed two bowls for cereal. Bea shuffled in wearing her fuzzy slippers, still sleepy.

"You're so slow!" Jeanie said, rolling her eyes. "And your hair looks like a bird's nest."

Bea touched her messy hair, her smile fading.

"Maybe if you weren't such a baby, you'd be ready faster," Jeanie continued, pouring milk too quickly. It splashed everywhere.

"I'm not a baby," Bea whispered, her voice shaky.

"Yes you are! You can't even pour milk without me helping you. You're just my adopted sister anyway, not my real sister."

Bea's eyes filled with tears. She ran from the kitchen, her slippers making soft sounds down the hallway. Her bedroom door slammed shut.