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“You’re horrible,” I say as I turn back to the coffee machine.

“I’m excited!”

I close my eyes.

Behind me, Rose laughs softly, and the sound is so pleased I briefly consider taking my coffee back upstairs and locking my bedroom door. Except that would only confirm everything more thoroughly, and I have already done enough damage for one morning.

I stir my coffee longer than necessary, watching the bubbles disappear while my face slowly returns to a temperature compatible with human life.

The ridiculous thing is that I’m embarrassed when there isn’t anything to be embarrassed about.

I kissed Flora, just like I’ve kissed other people before.

I wanted to kiss Flora, she very clearly wanted to kiss me back, and unless I’ve fundamentally misunderstood several important things about human behavior, we both had a very good time doing it.

Still, when I finally turn around, Rose is waiting for me with her eyebrows raised.

“Yes,” I say. “I kissed the coffee girl.”

Her entire face lights up again.

“And that’s all the information you’re getting.”

“I didn’t even ask for anything.”

“Well, Rose, I know you, and I know you love the details.”

“Okay, yes.” She smiles. “But I was going to ask if you’re happy.”

That takes some of the wind out of me.

Rose has already turned back to the counter, slicing a few strawberries and adding them to her yogurt, as if she hasn’t just reached across the kitchen and poked me somewhere soft.

I take a sip of coffee.

“Yeah,” I say after a moment. “I am.”

“Good.”

And because she is still Rose and still my sister, and we were raised by the same people, she lets exactly three seconds pass before adding, “But if you decide you want to volunteer additional information⁠—”

My phone vibrates in my hand.

I look down, hoping it’s another message from Flora.

The Third Fairy sent you a message.

I open it.

The Third Fairy

Good morning, Primavera. Ready for step three?

I smile into my coffee.

Primavera1959

Depends. Is step three going to emotionally devastate me before breakfast?