The warm golden sunlight filtered through the windows of Ronda Riy’s SouthBank apartment, casting a cozy glow over the living room. Faro Faros sat sprawled on the couch, his fiery red hair catching the light as he animatedly recounted a story from his latest escapades. Across from him, Rita Faros, clad in a snug green tank top that accentuated her effortless charm, was doubled over with laughter, her hearty guffaws filling the room.
“And then,” Faro continued, grinning widely, “I told the guy, ‘If you’re gonna challenge the Falcon, at least bring a bigger stick!’ You should’ve seen his face—completely flabbergasted!”
Rita wiped tears of laughter from her eyes, her face flushed with amusement. “Oh Faro, you’re absolutely incorrigible!” she exclaimed, clutching her stomach. “You must’ve scared him half to death!”
Ronda stood at the edge of the room, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her bright pink tank top standing out against the neutral tones of the apartment. Her usually cheerful face was clouded with a mix of emotions—frustration, insecurity, and a hint of jealousy. She had always admired Faro’s wit and charm, but seeing him share such an intimate moment of laughter with her Aunt Rita stirred a storm of feelings within her.
“What’s so funny?” Ronda finally interjected, her voice sharper than she intended. Her big round glasses reflected the light as her wide eyes darted between Faro and Rita.
Faro turned to her, his grin still in place. “Just telling Rita about the time I outsmarted that guy in the forest. You should’ve been there, Ronda—it was hilarious!”
Rita leaned back on the couch, still chuckling. “He really is something, isn’t he?” she said, giving Faro a playful nudge.
Ronda forced a smile, her hands fidgeting nervously. “Yeah, he is,” she murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor. She hated feeling this way—Rita was her family, and Faro was her boyfriend. Yet, the easy camaraderie between them sometimes made her feel like an outsider in her own home.
Faro noticed her unease and reached out a hand. “Hey, come sit with us, Ronda. I was just about to tell the part where the guy actually tried to climb a tree to escape me!”
Ronda hesitated, then sighed and walked over to sit beside Faro. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “You know you’re my favorite audience,” he whispered, his voice warm and reassuring.
Rita watched the two of them with a knowing smile but said nothing. For all her teasing and flirtation, she knew where Faro’s heart truly lay. Ronda leaned into Faro, her earlier insecurities melting away as she listened to his story unfold.
By the time Faro finished his tale, all three of them were laughing together, the tension forgotten—for now.
