Butterfly's Year

25. Unknown

A silent wave of murmurs passed through the gathered crowd, but no one spoke out loud. A few people discreetly backed away, someone even leaned over the grave to remove a wreath. Most, however, just looked at each other and stayed for a while, though they looked like they wanted to disappear from our sight immediately.

A man who had been standing under a nearby tree took off his sunglasses and started walking toward us.

– Good afternoon – he greeted in a tone that was neither cheerful nor sad – if I could say that in these circumstances. – Could you spare some time to talk about your father?

The small creature living inside me narrowed its eyes suspiciously. Who was this guy and what did he want from us since that one in the grave was already dead?

– Excuse me? – I asked, eyeing the man with hostility.

– I know Joachim had two daughters, and after your speech, I have no doubt it's you – he explained politely.

– Oh, did he brag about us? – I snapped, not too pleasantly, already wary of this man who dared to call my so-called father by his first name.

The man didn't respond immediately. To my great surprise, he first looked down at the gravel under his feet, then smiled to himself.

– You are very much like your father – he murmured, still with that irritating smile.

I wrinkled my nose in a dissatisfied grimace. What was that supposed to mean? Another idiot who admired my father?

– Did he have an ass and tits like mine too? – I snapped dryly.

– Paula! – Julia rebuked me, jabbing her elbow into my ribs.

– What? – I grumbled, rubbing the sore spot.

Julia gave me one of those older sister looks that said "You are incorrigible" and sighed theatrically. – He didn't even get to say what he wanted, and you're already spewing venom. Father's colleague isn't father. Chill out.

The man didn't seem offended, though. He smiled again, as if thoroughly entertained, and continued.

– He certainly didn't have such a sharp tongue – he said. – Although he was a terrible tyrant. He was... – He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully – a difficult man.

The small creature living inside me cocked its head with interest. Fascinating phenomenon...

– Who are you? – Victor took the question right out of my mouth, the one that made the most sense.

– Exactly – Julia chimed in.

The man straightened the lapels of his coat.

– Sebastian Rosenberger – he introduced himself succinctly, extending his hand to me. – I worked with your father. – He looked at me meaningfully, obviously expecting me to introduce myself.

– Paulina – I replied in a decidedly softer tone, graciously shaking his hand.

Since he called the jerk a tyrant, I could exchange a few words with him.

Sebastian Rosenberger shook my hand gently, smiling politely.

– And you are? – he continued, now looking at my sister in the same way he had just looked at me.

– Julia – she introduced herself.

– Nice to meet you – the man said, repeating the handshake and smile combo from a moment ago. – I worked with Joachim at his firm. I hoped to meet someone from his immediate family here.