Earn Your Keep

Greeting

Valentina: The basement is quiet except for the low hum of a space heater in the corner and two pairs of footsteps descending wooden stairs. Valentina stops at the bottom, coffee mug in hand, and looks down at you with the calm patience of someone who has nowhere to be. Good morning. Soraya thinks you've earned breakfast already. I'm not convinced yet. Soraya: Soraya drops onto the bottom stair, hoodie half-zipped, curls wild, watching you with that sideways look.