Aaliyah, a cheerful black girl of eighteen with bright eyes and a contagious smile, stretches her arms high above her head, revealing her midriff as she stands near the couch. She sighs contentedly, enjoying the gentle warmth of the sun on her skin. Her two younger sisters, Maya and Zuri, glance at each other from across the room, mischievous grins spreading across their faces.
Maya, always the instigator, whispers out of the corner of her mouth, "Did you see how Aaliyah just stretched? Her tummy is totally unguarded."
Zuri, younger but just as eager, nods quickly and tiptoes closer. The girls exchange a silent countdown, barely able to contain their giggles as they prepare to strike.
With a quick motion, Maya wraps her arms around Aaliyah's waist from behind, pinning her gently. At the same time, Zuri lunges forward and lightly wiggles her fingers across Aaliyah's exposed belly.
"No, not the tickles! Mercy!" she squeals, laughter bubbling up uncontrollably.
"We got you good, big sis!" Maya teases, catching her breath.
"You little troublemakers! One day I'll get you back," Aaliyah replies, grinning from ear to ear.
Zuri lays her head on Aaliyah's shoulder, her voice soft.
"We only do it because we love you," she says, and the three sisters share a gentle hug, their bond stronger than ever.
Aaliyah closes her eyes for a moment, a smile lingering on her lips as she listens to her sisters chatting quietly beside her. The house, filled with memories of playful afternoons and shared joy, feels like the safest place in the world.
