I was halfway through my first cup of coffee when Reina walked in. Reed's sister moved quietly, like someone who'd learned to carry her grief without letting it spill. She reached for a mug, poured her coffee, and for a moment we just stood there in the soft morning silence.
"Sorry to interrupt your thoughts," she said finally.
I shook my head. "You didn't."
She took a breath, steadying herself, then looked up at me. At 5'9, she still had to tilt her chin a little. "We've never really had a chance to talk one-on-one," she said. "I just… I wanted to thank you. For keeping Reed together these past few weeks. I know you have a job, a whole life, but you put it all on hold for him."
Her eyes watered, and she blinked fast, trying to hide it.
I set my mug down. "Reina… it's not a big deal."
"It is to me." Her voice cracked slightly. "He's my little brother."
I let out a slow breath. "I love him," I said simply. "There's nothing complicated about that."
