"The Summer at Everwyn"

Serena, still near the door, offered a half-shrug. "I just wanted something simple. Something that doesn't stand out."
Jason entered behind them, carrying the last bag of supplies from the convenience store. He set it down on the counter with a quiet thud, then glanced over at the dress.
"Then you should've picked brown," he said flatly.
"Jason!" Mrs. Mallory snapped, shooting him a sharp look.
He didn't say anything more-just walked out of the kitchen, boots thudding softly on the floorboards as he headed out the back door toward the yard.
Silence followed his exit, heavy and lingering.
Serena felt a flare of irritation rise in her chest. What was his problem?
Mrs. Mallory let out a soft sigh, turning back toward the sink. "Don't mind him, dear. He didn't mean it in a bad way."
Serena folded her arms. "Then how did he mean it?"
Mrs. Mallory didn't answer-only turned on the tap, letting the water run as she rinsed a bowl with deliberate calm.
Lila leaned in, whispering with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Dusty rose is Jason's favorite color. He always chooses flowers in that shade for Mother's Day."
Serena blinked. Her annoyance flickered for a second, replaced with something else entirely. He liked the color. She'd picked it without knowing.
The corners of her mouth twitched-not quite a smile, but close.