Ben relished his alone time. An introvert he might have been, but that certainly didn't mean he wasn't always busy with something; reading, or practicing his cello, or practicing on the field or in today's case--preparing a bird's carcass for display.

He sat at his desk, protective clothing on, and chemicals at the ready-- when a loud knock rang out from the other side of his door; a dreadfully familiar voice followed it.

Ben sighed, wondering what it was this time. Erica didn't even seem to acknowledge he existed half the time--but when she did it usually had to do with their mom. She wanted him to come visit. She wanted him to come home for Christmas. She wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday. The list was endless.

He pushed the face mask down around his neck, and pushed the goggles up so as to get a decent look at his sister from the other side of the door.

"What does she want this time?" Ben asked, opening the door a crack, expression as bland as ever. He didn't waste formalities or greetings or expressions of affection on his sister. He didn't need to.

They were practically strangers.