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Connecting with family (Part 2)

Part 1


“You could hire someone, you know,” Delaney said. “There are entire companies whose job it is to make your house look less haunted.”

“And yet, I have you,” Olivia replied smoothly. “Why outsource excellence?”

For a while, the only sound was the rhythm of cleaning. Delaney moved through the space like she belonged, which, in a way, she did. This house had raised more than one Streun girl. Summers and stolen weekends and the odd holiday when her parents needed a break. Olivia was always willing.

She caught Delaney’s gaze as she was smoothing the bedsheets.

“You don’t have to keep doing this,” Olivia said, softer now.

Delaney paused, brow raised. “Doing what?”

“This,” Olivia gestured vaguely. “Playing caretaker. You’re too young to be worried about whether I’m living or...”

“Aunt Liv... You helped raise me. I know you see your grandkids in me. The least I can do is make sure your damn windows open and your fridge isn’t growing new species.”

Olivia’s eyes glinted with something sharp and fond and let the silence settle between them. Delaney pushed off the doorframe, straightened a stack of books with unnecessary precision, and cleared her throat.

“I made a Spotify playlist,” she said, trying for lightness. “It’s very cleaning-core.”

Olivia blinked. “You made me a playlist?”

“I made us a playlist,” Delaney corrected, pressing play. “Because I am fun. And you are not terrible.”

The opening chords filled the room, and Olivia’s lip twitched despite herself.

Delaney smiled, triumph blooming quietly beneath her ribs. “Let’s make this place shine, old lady.”

“You’re impossible,” Olivia muttered.

“And yet, here I am.” Delaney grabbed the mop. “Now scoot. I’m doing the floors and I will trip you if you don’t move.”

For the first time in ages, Olivia laughed. Not a full one, but real enough.

And for now, that was more than enough.