The Visitor

Mathias was already out before she finished her sentence. Like most nights he slept pretty heavily dreaming of the weekend coming up, his alarm being disguised by the heavy bass of his playing in his dream. Barely awake, he shifted in the uncomfortable chair pawing at his phone to get a few more precious minutes before having to face the day.

Serena sat cross legged on the coffee table, eating half a protein paste sandwich watching him as he slept. The apartment smelled like the leftover coffee Cyd was reheating in a pot on the stove. Dressed and ready for work, she tied the apron around her waist, and like Serena, stared over at Mathias expectantly.

Mathias looks at the two of them through one squinty blood shot eye. “How are you up so early?” He croaked his tone accusatory. “Kids these days …” Mathias mumbled trying to bury himself in a blanket to escape his sister.

“I wasn’t out til all hours playing target for pick pocket practice,” Cyd accused.

“Me an’ Cyd talked this morning,” Serena said, finishing the last bit of sandwich.

“That is a gross exaggeration of events!” Mathias yawned sitting up. He made a face feeling stiff and achy. Apparently the lazy boy was about as comfortable as it looked. “I already chastised her for being so bad at pickpocketing. She was very remorseful. And there was no practice pickpocket shenanigans.”

“I kinda suck,” Serena said, holding onto her ankles as she repeated Mathias’ words.

“It's true.” Mathias said getting up with a stretch as he headed to the kitchen to chase the morning away with a cup of coffee.

“Why don’t you go on and get cleaned up,” Cyd told the girl, pointing to the bathroom. “I left a few things in there for you to change into, an extra sweatshirt even.”

Serena nodded, and went to take a shower.

“Use all the hot water you want,” Cyd added pointedly, turning her gaze to her brother.

“Ouch! My soul.” Mathias said it looked as if he had been shot. “Thank god the coffee is still hot …” He said as he poured a cup dancing around the subject like a pro.