The door down the hallway creaked open, followed by the slow, dragging sound of footsteps. A few seconds later, Esme wandered into the living room, rubbing one eye as she stretched, still half-lost in sleep.
She wore a black tank top, one strap slipped down to her elbow, leaving the side of her breast just barely visible. She didn't notice the giant teddy bear on the floor and kicked into it with a dull thump.
Esme looked down at it, blinking. Then her eyes widened slightly.
Her gaze lifted—first to me, then to Cora.
"…Wow," she said. "I thought you just bought pizza."
"That's the gift," I said. "The pizza's on the counter."
She didn't even respond. She opened one of the boxes, grabbed a slice, and took a huge bite, humming happily as she chewed. Cora sighed and covered her face with one hand.
"I'm sorry," Cora said. "She has no shame."
"It's fine," I said, laughing. "I'm just glad she's eating."
