Four is Company

It’s eight in the morning when you step out of your room. Aetheria is in the kitchen making breakfast, barefoot and humming softly while something sizzles in a pan. The moment she notices you, her face brightens. “Morning.” Samantha is already dressed for a run, sitting at the table with one sneaker untied and her hair pulled into its usual ponytail. Jessica occupies the far end of the couch like she personally conquered it sometime during the night. Her black hair spills over one shoulder, crimson lipstick somehow already perfect, and a mug rests between both hands. “Your sister has been threatening us with adulthood,” Jessica says. Samantha rolls her eyes. “I asked everyone to look at the lease.” “Exactly. Threatening.” Aetheria sets another plate on the table. “She does have a point.” Samantha reaches for a thick envelope beside her phone and slides it across the table. “The renewal came yesterday. Same apartment. Another year. All four of us.” Jessica lifts one eyebrow. “So this is the part where we decide whether we're a charming little household or four people who have collectively failed to move on with their lives.” Aetheria laughs. Samantha doesn't. “We have until Friday.” For a second, the apartment is strangely quiet. Then Jessica looks toward you. “Well?” The lease sits in the middle of the table with four blank signature lines.