Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 4 - Trouble at Home

Ava stood in the middle of her new room, the worn brown carpet under her feet rough against her soles. The room, with its dark wood paneling and small, outdated window, felt cramped and gloomy. Despite the dreary atmosphere, Ava knew that this space was a step up from sharing a room with Ethan back at the trailer. She was determined to make it her own, though she wasn't sure where to start other than the couple of posters she hung and lights she added to the window.

A knock on the doorframe made her turn, and she smiled when she saw Lizzy standing there, a bright grin on her face and a small bag in her hand. "Hey, Ava! Your mom said I could come up."

Although apprehension held her heart in a vice, Ava was determined to not allow her life's circumstances interfere with having a friend. "Sure, come on in," Ava replied, stepping aside to let Lizzy enter.

Lizzy's eyes swept over the room, taking in the dark paneling, the tiny strip of lights around the window, the worn carpet, and the nearly bare walls. "It's a little dark in here," she said with a playful smile, "but nothing a few additional decorations can't fix."

Ava laughed quietly, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I've already started putting up some of my posters, but it still feels kind of...brown."

Lizzy nodded, then lifted the bag she was holding. "Well, I brought a few things from home that might help brighten the place up. You know, just to give it a bit more personality."

Ava's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude as Lizzy pulled out a few colorful items: a bright throw pillow, a small potted plant, and a string of fairy lights. "Lizzy, you didn't have to do that! But thank you, these are perfect."

Lizzy shrugged, still smiling. "I figured we're friends now, and friends help each other out. Besides, I've got plenty of stuff at home. Mom's always buying new decorations, so I thought I'd share the wealth."

Ava couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her chest. "This means a lot. I was trying to make it feel more like my own space, and this really helps."

The two girls set to work, arranging the new items around the room. They draped the fairy lights along the top of the wall above the head of her bed, placed the pillow on Ava's bed, and found a spot on the windowsill for the plant. As they worked, the room began to feel cozier, more inviting. Ava could already tell that these small touches made a big difference.

"See? It's already looking better," Lizzy said as she stepped back to admire their handiwork. "Now you've got a little more color in here."

Ava nodded, feeling more at ease than she had in a while. "Yeah, it's starting to feel like home."

They sat down on Ava's bed, the mattress still on the floor, and Lizzy bounced slightly, testing the springs. "It's really comfortable," Lizzy said. "I like how low it is."

"Me too," Ava agreed. "It's easy to just flop down after a long day."

As they chatted about school, the new neighborhood, and their families, Ava felt the familiar tension ease from her shoulders. Lizzy had swifty become her closest friend, and unlike others, Lizzy didn't judge her for the state of her home or her family's troubles. It was a refreshing change, and Ava was grateful for it.

"So, do you think we'll be in the same classes this year?" Lizzy asked, her tone hopeful.

"Maybe," Ava replied. "I've already been going for a few weeks, but you haven't started yet, right?"

Lizzy shook her head. "No, I'm starting on Monday. I really hope we have the same classes. It'd be nice to know someone on the first day."

Ava smiled softly. "I'm sure we will. It's a small school, and juniors usually have most of their classes together."