Nina let out a long breath of relief as the front door clicked shut behind her.
The comfort of home washed over her like a balm.
She kicked off her shoes, stretched her arms over her head, and—
A shiver ran down her spine.
Someone was watching her.
Nina froze mid-stretch and turned her head slowly, dreading what she already knew she'd see.
Sure enough, standing at the edge of the hallway with arms crossed and eyes narrowed like twin daggers, was her mother.
"…Oh."
Nina said weakly.
Her mother stepped forward, slow and deliberate.
"What were you doing outside at this hour?"
Nina scrambled to look at her phone and laughed nervously.
"It's… only three in the morning."
Her mother raised an eyebrow.
"I mean—it's a little late, sure—but not, like, bad late. Just a little… y'know… dramatic."
The silence said more than words ever could. Nina fumbled for a better excuse.
