the progress project [3]

5 5

yuli

"welcome back," her aunt hugs her, the scent of food filling her nostrils with comfort.

"thanks, auntie," she hugs back tightly, surprising herself ar how much she missed the place.

"that's eleanor to you, miss." she whisks yuli away to the kitchen. "ready to bake?"

"yep," the latter replies, popping a whiskey ball into her mouth. eleanor's apartment was a duplex, two small bedrooms on the upper level with a bathroom and laundry room, and kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, and terrace on the lower level. it was cramped at times, but it was home.

"before we do..." eleanor leans back against the island, arms crossed. "your uncle's family is coming over in an hour to celebrate christmas and have dessert with us."

"what?" yuli asks, shocked.

"please, yuli, i don't want to fight."

fury replaces every other feeling in her body. she shakes her head and grabs the few items she brought with her, shoving her coat back on. "then i guess you won't, because i'm leaving. have fun tonight, auntie."

eleanor reaches out to take her hand. "baby, please—"

"don't fucking touch me."

she yanks herself away and slams the door as she leaves.