“You are better, Juni,” Alisha replied firmly. “You once told me, ‘Whatever it takes, Alisha,’ and I can tell you right now, hun, you didn’t do that. How you responded could have been better… you didn’t get what you wanted from how you reacted. I won’t allow it, Juni.”

Juniper nodded slowly, absorbing her friend’s words. A comfortable silence settled between them as they both gazed out at the city. The distant suburbs came alive with festive energy, colorful lanterns and light displays rippled across the horizon, their reflections dancing in the apartment’s glass surfaces like a living work of art.

Seeking to lighten the mood, Juniper turned to Alisha with a playful grin. “So, are you still trying to beat your brother in chess?”