Evelyn
The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and warm butter, a comforting, peaceful scent that felt like a complete lie compared to the knot tightening in my stomach. I carefully lifted the tray of muffins toward the cooling rack, making sure my left sleeve stayed pulled low over my wrist.
"Evelyn, watch out! That edge is hot," Chloe said, turning from the sink with a kitchen towel in hand.
I flinched, pulling my arm back a little too fast. The fabric of my sweater hitched up just an inch, exposing the mottled purple and angry red mark ringing my forearm.
Chloe froze. Her eyes locked onto my arm, the casual smile disappearing from her face.
I immediately yanked my sleeve down, clutching my wrist against my stomach. "Sorry. Almost dropped it."
"Evie... stop." Chloe set the towel down, h
