“Do you mean thecorrupted?” Edith chimed in, glaring past me at Phoebe. “They are no more pests than you or I. It is not their fault.”
Here we go again.
“Well, we do not rip through people so recklessly.” Phoebe’s brow twitched. “We are sophisticated. They are just turned.”
“I was turned.”
“But you are civil and sensible. You were also a Host.”
“What does being a Host have to do with it? You are just a purist.”
“They are not meant to be turned; mellifluous are different. It is cruel to turn typical men and cut their lives short.”
“They are like children; you can mold them and show them the way, show them how to live in the little time they have left.”
“Children who could tear through us as easily as warmed bread fresh from the oven.”
“Enough, both of you.” I narrowed my eyes on Phoebe.
“Are you taking her side?” Phoebe gasped.
“I am not taking anyone’s side. I would like to avoid politics on our walks.” I had burned through the cigarette, it was more unashed dust than it was paper.
“I told you I don’t like it when you speak of them that way. You are disgusted by the wrong thing. They don’t have anyone to show them how to control it,” Edith continued.
“Maybe you should show them on your own since you are so adamant about charity cases.”
“No,” I interrupted, “I can barely feed the two of you, we don’t have any more room without taking on new people, and we barely have rooms for those we have already. No more of this.”
The two of them glared at each other, but thankfully did not speak another word on the subject.
“I’m thinking of goose for Christmas,” I broke the silence. “We can splurge for a few large ones, also some fruit and wine.”
“I love that idea,” Edith hummed. “Could we spare some money for another cylinder for the phonograph? I would love to get one with Christmas carols on it! For the ambiance of course.”
“That is fine.” I glanced at Phoebe, who was still quiet. She was lost in thought. “Phoebe?”
“Hmm?” She blinked up at me.
“What were you thinking for presents?”
“Well, I was thinking we all get a small allowance and pick names from a hat so we can all get each other something or make it ourselves. It would be fun, I thought, but it might be silly.” She blushed. There was something bothering her; she always second-guessed herself when she had something else on her mind.
“I think it would be a lovely idea. That way no one is left out.” I nudged her. “You are the expert of these things. I do not know how to organize parties aside from deciding what cups go with what liquor.”
Edith laughed at my remark, and I earned a small smirk from Phoebe. That was enough for me.
“How about we go window shopping? We have walked the whole length of the park at this point. Come,” I said, as we turned onto the footbridge, the street opening up to us as we exited the park.
The streets were rousing with people going about their business or leisure. We walked to our favorite street to gaze at all the displays in the windows.
Phoebe always lingered around this one fur shop that she liked, though we promised we would not cling to anything too material. It did not stop me from asking the furrier how many rabbits Iwould have to shoot in order to get a full coat. The answer to that was about thirty for a full set of anything.
We told ourselves we would be sustainable and refrain from buying anything frivolous. Any sound mind would find it suspicious if we accrued too many expensive things.
As I watched Phoebe scan the windows, Edith tugged on my sleeve.
I glanced down at her. Those deep green eyes peered up at me nervously. Edith had a hard time asking for anything; she was not one for confrontation most days, but she was able to speak up if she was passionate enough about a subject.
