Chapter 13 Annoying Friend

• The morning light streamed through my room’s large window, its soft rays illuminating the crumpled white sheets on the oversized bed. My head throbbed, the lingering effects of last night’s alcohol clouding my thoughts. I opened my eyes slowly, the world still hazy, but my heart raced as I realized my position, I was still in Sis Elin’s embrace. She slept soundly beside me, her arm draped around my waist, her fingers gentle on my shirt. Her steady, warm breath grazed my neck. I was stunned, not expecting us to still be like this after last night, the candles on the balcony, the empty glasses, and the heavy words “brother and sister” that weighed on my chest. I held my body still, not wanting to wake her, wanting to savor this warmth despite knowing it was wrong.
• This was the first time I’d seen Elin asleep. Her face was serene, her hair messy, covering her cheek, strands falling haphazardly on the pillow. Without last night’s maroon dress and without makeup, she looked fragile, human. Her skin was slightly creased from sleep, her eyes closed, yet still beautiful, stirring warmth and fear in my chest. I knew I shouldn’t stare too long, shouldn’t let these feelings grow, but my eyes couldn’t turn away, locked on her face under the gentle morning light, the thick carpet muting the vast room’s silence.
• I shifted my shoulder slightly to ease the stiffness, but the small movement woke her. She stirred, her hand rubbing her face, her eyes half-open, dreamy under the sunlight. “You awake?” she asked, her voice hoarse and soft, her hand still wiping her eyes.