MARIE

"In fact, she just asked of y..." My brother’s voice trailed off, cut short by the frantic rhythm of small, thudding footsteps barreling down the staircase.

It sounded like a stampede of tiny hooves.

A moment later, larger, more measured footsteps followed, though they were careful to navigate the steps with the caution of someone carrying the weight of a second life.

"Claire! I told you, no running on the stairs!" a voice echoed, it was softer, breathless, and laced with that ...