Maya studied her face with the particular intensity that came from years of friendship. "The brothers," she said slowly. "It has something to do with them, doesn't it? With whatever this relationship is that you're not fully explaining."
"Yes," Eve said. Because that, at least, was safe to acknowledge.
"And you're okay? They're not....they're treating you well? This isn't some kind of...." Maya seemed to struggle with the phrasing. "....some kind of situation you need help getting out of?"
The concern in her voice was so genuine, so purely about Eve's wellbeing rather than curiosity or judgment, that Eve felt warmth bloom in her chest.
"Maya." Eve took her friend's hands. "I promise you....I swear on everything we've been through together....they treat me better than I've ever been treated by anyone. This isn't a situation I need rescuing from. It's...." She smiled. "....it's home. Complicated, bizarre, occasionally overwhelming home. But home."
