Kiara groaned as she dragged the mop across the dining room floor, her movements slow and exaggerated. The bucket of soapy water sloshed dangerously close to spilling with every step, and her grumbling could have rivaled a thunderstorm.

"This is a literal nightmare," she muttered to herself, aggressively mopping a spot that was already sparkling clean.

She didn't notice Archie coming down the stairs until he leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, his usual easygoing smirk plastered on his face.

"You talk to yourself often, or is this just a chore-induced meltdown?" Archie teased.

Kiara looked up, her expression dark. "Laugh it up, Mr. Breakfast Privileges. I'm stuck here scrubbing the floor like Cinderella because your uncle thinks I'm public enemy number one."

Archie frowned, stepping closer. "What did Frank say this time?"

Kiara straightened, leaning on the mop handle. "Oh, you know. Just the usual lies about how you're furious with me for stealing that coat and how you think my rebel move was awful."

Archie's eyebrows shot up. "Wait, he told you that? That I hated it?"

"Yeah," Kiara said, her tone laced with bitterness. "He made it sound like you wanted to throw me under the bus or something."

Archie sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Kiara, he lied. I never said that. I told him I thought it was kinda badass, but of course, Frank's not exactly Team Rebel, so he probably twisted it to make you feel guilty."

Kiara narrowed her eyes, though the edges of her lips curled into a small smile. "I knew it. I knew he was lying. That man lives to make me miserable."

Archie sat on a nearby chair, watching her continue mopping. "Look, Frank's got his reasons for being so strict. He's not a bad guy. He just… overcompensates sometimes."

Kiara snorted. "That's an understatement. The man treats this house like a boot camp."

Archie laughed softly. "Yeah, you're not wrong. He does have this... thing about turning people into 'better versions of themselves.' But trust me, he's not doing it to be cruel."

"Could've fooled me," Kiara muttered, dunking the mop into the bucket. "What's his deal anyway? Why's he so obsessed with rules and chores?"

Archie leaned back, his tone more serious. "Frank's got a lot of baggage. When my dad died, he stepped up to help out, but he never really knew how to balance being a mentor and being, well... Frank. He thinks being tough on people will teach them responsibility, even if it means coming off as a drill sergeant."

Kiara paused, resting her chin on the mop handle. "I get wanting to help, but there's a line, you know? He doesn't have to treat me like I'm on some twisted version of Survivor."

Archie chuckled. "Fair point. But deep down, he's got a good heart. He just doesn't always know how to show it."

Kiara sighed. "Maybe. But he's still impossible."

Archie glanced around the room, then lowered his voice. "Speaking of impossible, what happened to the coat?"

Kiara perked up. "Oh, right! Where is it? Did Frank toss it or something?"

"Nah, it's in the laundry room. Hold on." Archie disappeared for a moment and returned with the Riverdale High School jersey coat, handing it to her with a grin. "Here. Consider it rescued."

Kiara beamed as she took the coat. "Thanks, Archie. You're the best."

"Don't mention it," he said, leaning against the wall. "And for the record, I still think your rebel move was awesome."

Kiara laughed, shaking her head. "Well, at least someone appreciates my genius."

"Frank doesn't have to know," Archie said with a wink. "Speaking of which, how much longer are you planning on doing his chores?"

Kiara groaned. "I hate every second of it. The mop and I are not friends."

Archie grinned. "Tell you what. I'll cover the rest of the chores today. You go enjoy some freedom before Frank gets back."

Kiara's eyes lit up. "Seriously? You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," Archie said, grabbing the mop from her hands. "But don't make me regret it."

Kiara laughed. "You're a lifesaver. Thanks, Archie."

As she grabbed her coat and headed for the door, she paused and turned back. "So, besides Pop's and all the downtown shops, what's there to do in Riverdale? Veronica told me about this French restaurant her husband owns—Les Compères de Riverdale. Sounds fancy."

"Oh yeah," Archie said. "Gabriel's restaurant is great. Veronica really lucked out with him."

Kiara smirked. "Not jealous, are you?"

Archie laughed. "Nah, we're way past that. But if you're into French food, it's worth checking out."

"Cool," Kiara said, leaning against the doorframe. "What about other places? Anything worth seeing?"

Archie thought for a moment. "Well, there's the Sweetwater River for kayaking, if you're into that. And the drive-in theater's still a classic if you want some nostalgia."

"Sweetwater River, huh?" Kiara mused. "Hopefully no creepy murder vibes."

"Not if you stick with the right crowd," Archie joked. "Anyway, go have fun. I'll handle this."

Kiara gave him a grateful smile. "You're a legend, Archie. I owe you one."

With that, she stepped out into the crisp Riverdale air, ready to explore more of the town—this time, free from the tyranny of Frank's endless chore list.