By the time winter break rolled around, I thought we'd finally get some quality family time—just the three of us.

I never imagined she'd still try to come to my house.

Sabina gazed at me with those pitiful eyes. "Maisie, I couldn't get a ticket home, so I guess I'll have to stay at your place this break."

"I'm your big sister, after all. You wouldn't turn me away, would you?"

I was already irritated.

"Sabina, you can call yourself my sister if you want—I don't care. But our family of three is going on a trip this break. There won't be anyone home."

"Besides, it's almost New Year's. Your family's okay with you not coming back?"

"In my heart, your family is the only home I have. Whether I go back to that other place doesn't matter. Since the three of you are going on a trip together, I'll just stay at the house by myself."

I wasn't sure I'd heard her right.

"Did you just say you want to stay at my house alone for the entire break?"

"Yeah. Is that a problem?"

"Of course it's a problem!"

I shut that down immediately.

"Sorry, but no—I'm not comfortable lending you my house to live in by yourself. You need to figure out how to get a ticket back to your own home."

Sabina didn't push back, so I assumed she'd accepted it.

Then, on the day break started, my parents pulled up to get me—and there was Sabina, luggage in hand, walking right up to the car.

The three of us stared at her.

She stood in front of us, looking slightly awkward.

"Godfather, Godmother, can I come home with you?"

"I know you're going on a trip—you don't have to worry about me. I'll be good and stay home by myself!"

"I can house-sit for you and help clean!"

"My parents only gave me enough money for a slow train ticket, and those sell out so fast. I couldn't get one, so I have no way to get home."

"Everyone goes home for winter break. Even the dorm supervisor left. I'm too scared to stay in the dorm alone."

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she spoke.

My dad's heart softened. He opened the car door.

"Get in."

Sabina's face lit up instantly. She grabbed her luggage and climbed in.

I wasn't happy about it. She acted like she already belonged here.

But we still had three and a half years of sharing a dorm room ahead of us, so I kept my mouth shut.

Back at the house, Sabina set down her bags and headed straight for the kitchen to wash vegetables.

"Godfather, Godmother, you've had such a long day. Let me make dinner tonight."