Word Count: 397
The seaside is covered in a thin layer of snow that crunches beneath their feet. Dominique huff's, her breath coming out like smoke against the cold December air. She hates the cold, but she and Victoire so rarely have these moments where they both like one another enough to spend time together. Maybe it's just a Christmas miracle.
"Hello, baby!" Dominique calls cheerfully, adjusting her scarf as she approaches a small gull just a few feet away from their home.
Victoire snorts. "Are you trying to open an animal sanctuary in your basement?" she teases.
"Don't be ridiculous," Dominique says. "We don't have a basement. Your room will be empty soon."
The words feel strangely painful. Maybe she and Victoire bicker more often than not, but the thought of her not being around hurts. Still, Victoire is seventeen now. This summer, she'll be in France, studying advanced potions. Dominique is happy for her sister, of course, but still… She hates the idea of Victoire not being around.
"Do you ever think that maybe you attach yourself to animals because you don't quite relate to humans?" Victoire asks, and though her tone is serious, Dominique can see the playful twinkle in her blue eyes. "Maybe you're some sort of abomination, and animals are the only ones who understand you."
Dominique snorts. "Thanks for the psychoanalysis," she says dryly.
Silence hangs between them. There's a faraway look in Victoire's eyes, and Dominique wonders if she can feel it too. Things are changing, and they aren't kids anymore. Once upon a time, they would walk in their yard, watching the crashing waves from the cliffs, and they would dream about their future.
The future has found them now. No more dreaming, no more games. They're practically adults now.
"I'm gonna miss you, you know," Dominique whispers.
Victoire's lips twitch into a smile. "You're stuck with me for a little while longer."
Dominique stands at the edge of the cliff, watching the waves below. Maybe things are changing, but they still have time. They can dream a little longer.
With a grin, she bends down and scoops snow into her hands, quickly forming a snowball and slinging it at her sister. And just like that, all thoughts of adulthood fade away. They are just two sisters, laughing and exchanging snowballs, enjoying the last days of winter holidays.
The future can wait.
