Poolside Plans

It was the next day, the villa was quiet except for the faint hum of the ceiling fan in the living room. I sprawled across the plush sofa, controller in hand, half-heartedly shooting at pixelated enemies on the screen.

The midday sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow on everything. It was the perfect day to be outside, to swim in the gorgeous pool I'd seen from the balcony yesterday, but instead, I was stuck here sulking.

Why? Because Zaya had said no.

"Just ask her," I had said earlier, all hopeful and eager. "Surely you have a swimsuit I can borrow."

Her answer had been a flat, unimpressed, "No."

When I pressed, she'd simply shrugged and walked off, leaving me fuming. So now, I was left simmering in my indignation, shooting fake bad guys as if it would solve anything.

"What's wrong, dear?" Grandma's warm voice broke through my sulking.