My sister-in-law has been behaving quite oddly recently. Not only has she taken to dressing meticulously before heading out, but she's also showered me with an unusual level of care and attention. Then, one day, she knocked on my door while I was in the shower...
The Unsettling Prelude and My Observations
My brother is the epitome of routine. Every morning at seven-thirty sharp, rain or shine, he heads off to work. From behind my door, I can hear my sister-in-law seeing him off, her soft reminders floating through: "Drive safely," "Remember to warm your lunch." But over the past fortnight, I've noticed a change. The moment his car pulls away and the garage door descends, she retreats to her bedroom. She isn't napping; instead, the movements are light and purposeful.
The Pattern of Change and That Flash of Red
About half an hour later, her door opens. When she emerges, she's transformed. Her hair is impeccably styled, nothing like the casual ponytail she wears at home. Her face is carefully made up, glowing with vitality. Most striking is her attire—gone are the worn T-shirts or loungewear. Instead, she rotates through several new dresses. Once, it was a vivid red dress, impossibly bright. She’d grab a small purse, pause at the hallway mirror, and give a little twirl to admire herself.
An Accidental Encounter and Her Quick Recovery
One day, as I stepped out of the kitchen with a water glass, I bumped into her. The smile on her face froze instantly, as if I’d uncovered some secret. But it vanished just as quickly, replaced by a breezy tone. "Oh, you're awake?" she chimed, her voice airy. "There's milk in the kitchen—heat it up yourself." Before I could respond, she smoothed her lips in the mirror and slipped out. The sharp click of her heels echoed down the porch tiles, fading swiftly.
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