The Not-So-Slayer Twin

Matilda 'Tilly' Summers clutched the strap of her worn duffel bag, rocking nervously on her feet outside her mother's house in Sunnydale.

It had been years since she'd lived here, years since things had been normal with her sister, Buffy. Now, after the divorce and living with her dad, she was back.

The door opened, and her mother, Joyce, pulled her into a warm, lavender-scented hug.

"Tilly! It's so good to see you, sweetheart!" Joyce exclaimed, her smile faltering slightly as she saw Tilly's apprehension.

"Hi, Mom," Tilly mumbled, feeling smaller than ever.

As she stepped inside, the house felt both familiar and strange, photos of her and Buffy on the mantle a reminder of a closeness that felt long gone. From upstairs, footsteps announced Buffy's arrival.

Buffy appeared, an identical face to Tilly's, but with an air of confidence Tilly lacked.

"Hey, Til," Buffy said, her voice careful. "Long time no see."

"Yeah... it's been a while," Tilly replied, her voice barely audible.

The tension hung heavy between them, a silent testament to the distance that had grown. Joyce, trying to ease the awkwardness, suggested Buffy show Tilly to her room. Tilly followed her sister upstairs, clutching her bag, wondering if coming back was a mistake.