“Orin!” Cass exclaimed, leaning from the kitchen with a bowl and whisk in hand. Her hair was tied into a tight bun and around her neck hung the old tattered apron she had found discarded in the Naraghi. “There’s eggs, fruit, and sausage on the table,” she said, continuing to whisk. “I asked them to save you some of the crunch cakes, but I’m going to have to take the blame for that one. I shouldn’t have left them in front of the twins. But I think there’s enough batter for a few more cakes, but don’t expect much crunch.”

Orin offered her a smile. He had emerged for breakfast later than usual. His hair kept, his teeth brushed, and his boots laced high. All for the purpose of being out that door before any one of his seven siblings realized. Of course, the busiest of them all would be the one to catch him. “That’s alright Cass,” Orin said, “Don’t worry about it.”

“Well come on,” she said. “It’s your meal, I just made it.” At that, Orin’s heart hurt. Only Cass and Dax, their eldest brother, knew that Orin had bought their food for today. He’d even kept the receipts to prove to her that he hadn’t stolen it. For that, it was a moment she must have wanted him to enjoy. “Go sit down. I’ll be right behind you. I just have to clean up some.”

She looked ready to turn, but Orin didn’t budge. He tried to fish for words.

“Is everything alright? You look. . . overdressed for breakfast.”

“I’m fine,” he said, his voice faint. “I wasn’t feeling hungry so I thought I’d go out a little early.”

Cass placed her whisking hand on her hip, “Everyone’s going out Orin. It’s Jinth. But you’re supposed to do that after you celebrate with your family.” Behind Cass, past the kitchen, he could hear them through the tiniest of gaps between the door and its frame. The voices of his siblings competed to be the loudest in the room. Today, at least, it sounded more jovial than usual. “But you wanted to go out without anyone knowing… not even me.” She stepped back, assuring the dining room’s door was closed, “What’s going on Orin.”

“I’ve just got to go run some errands, Cass. Don’t worry about it.” I’m not selling this well am I?

Cass moved to step between Orin and the door, but she was too slow. His hand reached the handle before hers. “Errands? I do errands, Orin. You do. . .” she paused, before letting frustration be the vessel for her pain. She tries so hard not to be like him, Orin thought. “Things you shouldn't,” she finished. Her hand moved to gently rest on his arm. “Is this. . . about what happened? I. . .” Cass paused, collecting herself, “You would tell me before—before you’d go right?”

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If she knew, he thought, could she stop me?

“No, no.” Orin said, releasing his hold on the doorknob. He raised his hands up, putting on his most placating smile. “It's not that. I promise.” Orin placed his hands atop his sister’s shoulders, “Remember what Dax said? He might not have been right, but he wasn’t wrong. I can’t get work here.”

She looked like she wanted to hit him.

“It’s not that.” Orin said, reasserting himself. “There’s work in the middle ward. Normally, I wouldn’t be allowed to go there but since it’s Jinth I’ll be able to. It’s just a job, but—”

“You’ll be working through the games then?

It would be the first time Orin had missed a fight he’d been allowed to attend. “I… I don’t know. I’m just an extra set of hands, but I can’t be late. I have to go now.”

Cass eyed him, “For who?”

“C’mon Cass.”

“Who.” She demanded.

Orin paused for a moment, “Ronnel.”

In the room over, they heard Dax’s voice shouting over those of their other siblings. Orin doubted that answer satisfied her, but it wasn’t worth the trouble of either of them explaining this to Dax. Cass sighed. Then buried her face into his chest and hugged him tightly. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. This is a good thing, Orin.” Her voice was tired, but low and comforting. Then she spoke more quietly, “I feel like I never know what to say to you anymore.” Her tone changed, Orin could tell she was trying to be positive. To make the family work. “I mean, that sugar you brought home? I don’t even want to know what you paid for it.”

“I’m not apologizing for that.” Orin said, trying to assume a comforting tone while reciprocating her hug.

“Don’t get me wrong. It was a good present. It’s the kind of memory Locke and Reese are going to hold onto. But how can’t I worry?” Her question hung between them for a few brief seconds. There was nothing to be said. “You should go. Dax will be mad when he realizes you’re gone, but I’ll deal with that. Just don’t get into any trouble okay?”

Orin’s eyes felt heavy as they stood there, “I’ll try not to, Cass.” Orin said, as he pulled the door open. As he began his exit, Orin paused, “And I’m sorry I never got to try your crunch cake,” he added before pulling the door shut. It was an honest statement. One born out of an overwhelming desire to have the last thing he told his sister not be a lie.