The strap dug into her shoulder as she jerked it into place, nearly losing her balance. Her sketchbook wedged awkwardly between her notebooks, jabbed into her ribs like it had something to say.
With a frustrated exhale, she swung the bag on her shoulder, muttering under her breath as she darted out of her room. Her bare feet barely touched the stairs as she descended, toes skimming the cool hardwood.
In the living room, the rustling of newspaper pages broke the morning silence. Her father sat on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, the familiar furrow in his brow deepening as he read. The newspaper trembled faintly in his hands, but his face betrayed nothing.
"You're going to be late," he remarked, eyes never lifting from the print.
Ariella nearly tripped over the edge of the carpet as she spun in search of her shoes. "My alarm didn't go off, " she said in a sharp, rushed voice. Where are my boots?"
"Under the couch," Nadia's voice floated from the kitchen, punctuated by dishes clinking.
Ariella dropped to her knees without hesitation, arm plunging beneath the sofa. Her fingertips brushed against cold, worn leather. She yanked out one boot, gripping the laces as she scanned frantically for the other. Nothing.
"Athena has the other one," her father added, peering over the top of the newspaper with the faintest smirk.
Ariella's eyes narrowed toward the couch where Athena lay, muzzle buried in the missing boot. The dog's tail flicked lazily, as if she knew exactly what she was doing.
"Athena," Ariella gritted, tugging the boot free from the dog's stubborn grip. It emerged covered in slobber.
She grimaced but shoved her foot into the boot regardless, tightening the laces as Lin's footsteps thundered overhead.
Before she could call out, Lin bolted down the stairs and out the front door in one fluid motion. His motorcycle rumbled to life outside.
"Lin! Seriously?" Ariella's voice rang out, but the roar of the engine swallowed her words.
