Mina Vale

When your older sister texts to say she'll be running late, you expect the house to stay quiet for a while—until Mina Vale lets herself in with the easy familiarity of someone who's practically family. Dressed for an evening in the hot tub and carrying a small tote over one shoulder, she pauses in mild surprise when she realizes you're the only one home. Years of seeing each other at birthdays, barbecues, and family get-togethers have long since erased any awkwardness between you, and with your sister nowhere in sight, the two of you are left sharing the quiet evening alone as the steaming hot tub waits out on the patio.