Maya got up from her dressing table set out for another day of work. The sunlight streaming through the window caught the determined look on her face, a look she had worn on her face for so many years since her father passed away. With the household relying on her, there was no time to linger. Across the room, her younger sister Lila hummed softly as she filed her nails, but Maya caught the flicker of envy in her eyes-the same silent reminder that not everything at home was as simple as it seemed.
Maya grabbed her bag and slipped on her worn-out shoes, careful not to scuff the freshly polished floor. she moved through the small apartment with practiced ease, checking everything was in order before stepping out. Lila being compelled to go along lazily followed behind, humming a sound of unusual happiness, Maya couldn't help but notice Lila's eyes set on her lunchbox. A pang of unease hit her- the jealousy was subtle, but always there, lurking beneath her seemingly innocent gestures.
Maya stepped out into the crisp morning air, the city buzzing around her, Her mom stood by the doorway, handing her a small packed lunch with a tired smile. "Take care of yourself, Maya," she said softly. Maya nodded, the familiar weight of responsibility and determination settling on her shoulders. Behind her, she could feel Lila's eyes watching her like an owl, she shakes the thought off, focused on the streets ahead.
By the time Maya and Lila reached the office, the morning rush had already begun. Papers stacked on desks, phones ringing, and the low shatters conversation filled the space. Maya set her bag down at her workstation, while Lila lazily flopped into the chair beside her, The Manager walked past, drawing quick glances from almost all the female workers in the office, his sharp gaze lingering on Maya or just a moment longer. She barely had time to settle before noticing that a crucial document she had prepared for the meeting in the next two hours was missing.
Panic surged through Maya as the manager approached her desk, his sharp eyes focused on the stack of papers before her. " Are you ready for the meeting in two hours?" he asked, his tone leaving no room for excuses. "I... I'm sorry" Maya stammered, "I can't find the document." she tried to explain herself, but he didn't want to hear anymore. heart racing, Maya frantically, scattered papers across her desk as whispers rose from nearby co-workers. And then she noticed it-faint, almost imperceptible smirk on Lila's face. Taking a deep breath, Maya asked, "Did you take it?" Lila shrugged, her voice casual. "I didn't. How can you prove it?" Two hours passed, and the document was still missing. The meeting started without her, when she was finally called, she had no papers or plans with her and the sting of embarrassment burned as she faced her colleagues, her mind spinning with questions and suspicion.
As the day came to a close, Maya packed up her things, still feeling overwhelmed by the chaos earlier she booked and Uber for a ride home. The ride home with Lila was silent, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. Not a word was exchanged, As soon as they arrived at home Maya angrily gets off the car slamming the door as Lila also followed in, she went straight to her mother to recount the day's event. Lila opposes the accusation layered by Maya. Before long, the sisters were shouting at each other, the argument echoing through the apartment. Maya frustration boiled over, revealing secrets about her sister and her true nature