The plane descended through the clouds, the city below growing larger and more familiar with every passing moment. Amara stared out the window, her chin resting in her palm. Next to her, Elara was flipping through a glossy in-flight magazine with mild disinterest, occasionally glancing at Amara.
"You've been quiet," Elara said, nudging her gently with her elbow. "Planning your next sarcastic comment, or just dreading your parents' interrogation?"
Amara snorted, turning to face her. "A bit of both. You know how they are. My dad will probably ask if we're secretly married, and my mom—" She paused, her lips twitching. "Well, she'll probably cry and tell you how much she's always wanted a daughter-in-law who can act."
Elara laughed, though a twinge of nervousness flickered in her eyes. "I can handle your mom. It's your dad I'm worried about. He looks at me like I'm a stray puppy you brought home and forgot to return."
