All Together as a Family

Amalia

---

stop thinking so much

---

Amalia, it seems, is the only one enthused by this: a strange turn of events for the usually reticent Shield. She greets Evie's arrival with a bright, warm smile, radiating sisterly affection and hope for a sense of familial closeness that is never to be.

At least Sam is in good spirits. Blissfully oblivious (for now) of the change in his speech patterns, the baker beams at her newly-redeemed brother, dark eyes bright with pride. "Hi Sam. Thanks for having us. You look great." Again, it does not occur to her to question this, though whether due to willful ignorance or true lack of observation skills is hard to say.

Making her way past her brother the Shield deposits her wares on the kitchen table. "Water for me," she calls over her shoulder, already laying out breads and other baked goods. "I was surprised when you said you were moving out here. Would've thought the sun would make it difficult."

---

you're breaking your own heart

---