In another state in Alaschal , Alex lay on her bed, smiling at her phone as she texted Muiz. Her fingers flew over the screen, her face glowing under the soft light. She was so lost in their conversation that she didn't notice the pillow flying toward her until it hit her squarely on the head.
"Ouch! Antony !" she laughed, dodging another playful throw
Standing at the door with a mischievous grin was Antony, her youngest brother.
"Get up, lazybones. You're coming with me to the market," he said, tossing another pillow in her direction.
"No way! I'm not going anywhere!" Alex protested, diving under her blanket.
Unfortunately for her, Clara's voice echoed from the corridor before she could escape.
"Antony! Take your sister with you, and don't listen to her nonsense!"
Alex groaned, realizing the betrayal.
"Seriously? You're supposed to be on my side!" she shouted toward Clara's room.
But it was no use. She had no choice but to follow Antony to the market, grumbling the whole way.
Their elder brothers, Big Joe and Carl, were nowhere to be seen — they'd gone off to play in a friendly football match between university departments. That meant Alex had to say an early goodbye to Muiz.
Muiz, on the other hand, smiled when he saw her message. He replied warmly, wishing her a good day, and leaned back on his couch. He was already planning to travel to IBAN before New Year's, once his job schedule cleared up. In his mind, he could already picture the smile on Alex's face when he surprised her at their new house.
~~
Life in IBAN was refreshing for Alex. She met up with her childhood friends, visited familiar corners of the city, and spent lazy evenings chatting with her siblings. As the day for their move to the new house approached, the family made their rounds — visiting old family friends to inform them and selling off things they no longer needed. Some neighbors happily bought what they could, while other worn-out items were set aside to be burned.
On the morning of the move, the sky hung low with thick clouds. The wind whistled softly through the trees — a clear sign that the weather would soon turn rainy, just as the forecast had predicted.
Halfway to their new home, the drizzle began.
"Thank goodness it's just a light rain," Alex said, lowering her window to breathe in the earthy scent. "I can't imagine if it had poured. The luggage would've been soaked."
The journey was long and tiring, but when they finally arrived, the family couldn't help smiling at the sight of their new home — fresh walls, wide windows, and the faint scent of paint lingering in the air.
The women quickly got to work. There was much to do: sweeping, mopping, and wiping down appliances that had gathered dust since their installation the month before. The boys hauled boxes and furniture under their mother's sharp instructions, while Alex was given one of the less appealing tasks — washing the toilet.
By nightfall, everyone was exhausted. No one had the strength to cook, so they ordered food from a nearby restaurant. After dinner, their parents retired early, leaving the younger ones sprawled in the living room. They decided to end the day with a movie marathon, but before long, fatigue took over.
~~
The next morning, Alex stirred with a groan. Something heavy was pressing against her, making it hard to breathe. Half-asleep, she tried to shift whatever it was off gently — but when it didn't move, she forced her eyes open.
To her horror, she saw Antony's legs resting squarely across her neck.
"Antony!" she yelled, shoving him off with a burst of strength.
He tumbled off the couch and yelped as his leg hit the edge of the table. The sharp pain jolted him fully awake.
"Ah! What was that for?" he cried, clutching his shin.
"You were crushing me, you donkey!" Alex snapped.
Realizing she was furious, Antony scrambled up and dashed straight to his room before she could throw anything else at him.
Alex sat up, rubbing her temples, and glanced around. Her other brothers were sprawled across the floor, mouths open, still fast asleep.
"Obviously, we all passed out while watching the movie last night ," she muttered with a tired smile.
She stood, stretched, and opened the curtains, letting morning light flood the room. Then, feeling a bit responsible, she decided to prepare something light for everyone — toast and hot chocolate.
When the family gathered for breakfast, laughter filled the air again. Soon after, they attended a neighborhood meeting, where they were introduced to the residents. The community was warm and welcoming — gifts, food, and cheerful greetings poured in.
The days passed quickly. Before they knew it, it was time for their New Year's celebration and housewarming party. The compound was alive with music, chatter, and the rich aroma of grilled meat. Guests moved in and out, congratulating them, and the night ended with hugs, laughter, and clinking cups.
~~
The next morning, Alex's scream pierced the house.
"I've never seen this many plates in my life!" she cried, staring at the mountain of dirty dishes stacked in the sink and spilling onto the counter.
Clara walked in, stifling a laugh.
"That's what happens when you love hosting parties. Now go on — wash them before I come back for you."
"I don't like visitors anymore," Alex grumbled as she rolled up her sleeves. "They eat, laugh, and leave… but guess who gets to face the aftermath?"
She muttered under her breath as she washed, humming softly to distract herself. A cabinet door nearby hung slightly open, and out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something green move beneath it.
"Probably a souvenir bag," she murmured to herself and continued rinsing a plate.
But then — something cold brushed against her leg.
Alex froze. Her heart skipped. Slowly, she glanced down.
The movement came again — smooth, slithering, unmistakably alive. Before she could process it, a glistening green body slipped across her foot and disappeared under the sink.
She stood paralyzed, her breath caught in her throat.
Then came the scream.
"Snake! Snake! There's a snake in the kitchen!"
The cry echoed through the house. Her brothers came running, thinking she was overreacting again — until they saw it.
A long, green snake, coiled beside the sink, its tongue flicking in and out.
The boys didn't waste a second. Antony ran for a stick while Carl and Joe grabbed a mop and a bucket. After a brief, chaotic struggle filled with shouts and flying utensils, the snake was finally killed.
Alex stood at the door, trembling, her hands clutching the edge of the counter. Even after it was over, her face was pale.
"I'm done," she whispered. "I'm never entering this kitchen again until we go back to Alagna."
No one dared argue. They simply nodded — because judging by the terror in her eyes, they knew she meant every word.