Nina rolled her eyes at Mira, "Auntie Aurelia said you're not supposed to have any chocolate right now."
Mira looked sheepish, afraid of getting a telling-off from Aurelia, and timidly held up two fingers, "Auntie Aurelia, I only had two pieces, really."
Aurelia chuckled, "It's okay, sweetie. During the holidays, you can eat whatever you fancy. I won't limit you. After the festivities, we can think about that diet."
At that, Mira's face split into a wide grin.
"Really, Auntie Aurelia? I can eat anything I want?"
Aurelia nodded with a smile, walking over to ruffle her chubby cheek, "Sure, but don't go overboard. You still need to watch it, and we don't want you turning into a little marshmallow."
"Okay, I get it." Mira nodded eagerly, retrieving the hidden chocolate from behind her back, and resumed munching with gusto.
Nina pouted, "Auntie Aurelia, that's not fair. She's going to go from a little marshmallow to a giant one at this rate."
"I will not," Mira protested vigorously, shaking her head. She had no plans to become a 'giant marshmallow'.
Aurelia smoothed her hair, "The holidays are for good food, good drinks, and fun. It's all about bringing in the New Year with joy. If we're happy now, it's a sign of a happy year ahead. So, no squabbling with Mira, okay?"
Nina crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks, "I wouldn't dream of fighting with her."
Aurelia gave a knowing smile, "Nina's the big sister, always so well-behaved."
Once she left, Nina approached Mira, pinching her plump cheek, "Little marshmallow, I bet you'll puff up like a balloon after the holidays."
Mira winced, batting her hand away and rubbing her cheek, "I won't, okay? I've been really careful with my weight lately. And stop fighting with me. Auntie Aurelia said fighting over the holidays means we'll fight all year round. No wonder we're always at odds. It's because you pick fights with me every holiday."
She waggled her head as she spoke, and Nina stamped her foot in frustration.
"I'm the big sister. With Mom not here, I have to keep an eye on you."
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