As thoughts raced wildly through Christian's mind, and his heart pounding even faster, his eyes couldn't help but gravitate toward his sister's lips. Yet, in the end, she didn't kiss him. Instead, she parted her small lips and said softly, "You know what, Chris?"
Christian tilted his head slightly in response, hiding the flicker of disappointment inside him. He couldn't help but feel frustrated at the hopeful gesture she'd made, only to leave him hanging. Annabelle, seemingly unaware of his inner turmoil, was simply satisfied with the attention she had drawn and continued speaking.
"You are more important than anything, so don't be too hard on yourself."
"Don't work too hard."
Saying something she never thought she'd say to her notoriously lazy brother, Annabelle felt a little odd, but still, she continued.
"It's not like I'm telling you not to pursue the case of our parents."
"I'm just saying you should take your time."
