"Thanks, Mara. I know I've got a lot to learn about being a big sister, and ever since Dad's accident, you've seemed pretty down. But trust me, things are gonna look up for us from here on out."
Mara kept her gaze lowered, silent for a long moment before finally looking up and offering a small smile. "Better eat up before it gets cold," she said.
The table was adorned with four dishes, two prepared by Victoria, and two by Mara.
Mara's cooking tasted a bit off, but Victoria graciously moved all of Mara's creations to her side of the table and happily declared them delicious after a taste.
"Eat up. Who knows? Someday you might not be able to have any more," Mara said, her words laced with a deeper meaning.
"Why's that? We're sisters for life, aren't we? Or are you planning to stop cooking for me, Mara?"
"Who can promise forever?" Mara explained. "College and all, we might end up in different places."
"I'll choose the same city as you. That way we won't have to split up!"
Unfortunately, Victoria had no idea what Mara was really planning. She thought this meal was a turning point in their lives as sisters, a sign of Mara's forgiveness. She didn't realize that this dinner would mark the end of her own life.
After finishing her plate, Victoria suddenly asked Mara to pour her a glass of water, catching Mara off guard.
"Are you asking me for help?" In this household, it was always Victoria who took care of everything. When had she ever dared to ask for anything from Mara?
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