Sienna stood there, her face lighting up instantly. “You’re back!” she said, pulling Altha into a quick hug. “Thank you… I don’t even know how to—” Altha didn’t return the smile. “I tried calling you,” she said, her tone firm. Sienna blinked.
“Oh—my phone,” she said quickly. “I dropped it in the water yesterday while playing with my kid. I need to get it repaired.” Altha didn’t respond right away. Her eyes moved past Sienna, toward the inside of the house. “There’s someone else here,” she said. It wasn’t a question. Sienna looked confused.
“What?” she asked quietly. Altha crossed her arms. “I only gave you permission to stay here,” she said. “I know,” Sienna replied. “But… you don’t understand.” She paused. Then said softly: “She was already here when I arrived.”