บท 552: THE STRANGE ENCOUNTER

I heaved out a sigh as I massaged my temple, feeling the tension build with every second. "For the last time, Rhea, you can't take Raven to school!"

My six-year-old niece, all stubborn will and wide-eyed innocence, threw me a look of incredulity. Her eyes narrowed as if I'd just said the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. "Why not?"

"Uh, because he's still a baby, and he needs to be monitored by actual adults," Cyril interjected from the corner of the room. My daughter's voice was laced with sarcasm, the way only a teenager's could be. She was sprawled out on the couch, flipping through a book, her attention only half on the argument.

Rhea shot her a glare, not at all deterred by the older girl's tone. "Well, I can take care of him just fine! And also, I'm his favorite!" She straightened her small shoulders, trying to make herself appear bigger, more capable.

Cyril let out a scoff, barely looking up from her book. "Oh, please."