Josefine

The Aftermath

They didn't usually avoid discussing any tension between them, but neither Seffy nor Trixie made any move to talk about their argument. Seffy behaved normally to Trixie, and Trixie to Seffy, but there was a certain... coolness when they moved around each other. There were none of the random hugs, small smiles or playful poking that usually happened. Instead, there was silence and distance between them. It continued throughout the night, then through the following day.

Finally, by dinnertime, Seffy couldn't stand it any longer.

"Trixie." She called. Her cousin turned, face expressionless.

"Yes?"

"I... Look, Trixie, I'm sorry I shouted at you." Seffy hesitated.

Trixie nodded stiffly. It took a lot of self-control to control the tide of resentment that rose in Seffy's blood, but she took a deep breath and tried again.

"I get you're angry with me. But it's been literally a whole day. We need to talk."

"No." she muttered.

"Beatrix."

"Josefine. It's fine. We're going our separate ways, just like you said. Forget it."

"No, I didn't mean -"

"Oh, really? You seemed very sure of yourself yesterday, telling me I could get lost. You told me how worthless you really think I am. You're right, I am angry with you. I'm angry that you think it's okay to lie to me about how you feel about me when I've been so honest with you. I'm angry that you're being so blind and so... so stupid about all this! And yeah, I'm angry at myself. You know why? For trusting you, Josefine. I'm ashamed to be related to you."

Seffy's jaw dropped. Tears welled up, and she couldn't force them down.

"Go ahead. Cry, little girl. It isn't going to change my mind. But by all means, wallow in self-pity, why don't you? This is your fault, anyway! Why won't you do anything about it?"

I'm trying! Seffy wanted to scream. I'm trying, Trixie, but I can't work through this on my own. Can't you see that?

Trixie shot her a disdainful glance, grabbed her backpack and swung herself out of the cave.

That was the last Seffy would see of her cousin and ward for a long, long time.