Cutting Ties

Staring at me after my blunt rejection, Hazel pushed out her bottom lip in a deep pout. "You won't let me learn?" she challenged, her voice ringing clear enough for the entire table to hear. "Fine. I'll get Dad to sign me up for private lessons anyway. One day, I'll crush you—and don't you dare get jealous!"

I looked at her, feeling a hollow space where my warmth used to reside. Jealous? Not even