Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 12)

Shit, shit, shit—

“I didn’t say anything—“ she supposed that wasn’t true. Liesel told her not to tell Tomhas and she had anyway. “Well I couldn’t have known it was going to upset him like that.”

"What happened?"

“…n…othing?” She took another step or two backward, glancing at the door. Should she just sprint? Abruptly end this conversation? It’d be awkward. But so was this. It seemed a stretch to think anything could be more painfully awkward than this.

Gaius sighed. "Do you want to tell me or do you want to leave, Ky? Make up your mind."

She furrowed her brow at him, offended despite herself. He was acting as if he was going to toss her out if she didn’t tell him, when she’d been planning to leave on her own and he was forcing her to stay. “Why do you always act like everything’s my fault? Did he say that I upset him?” It was hard not to feel defensive. Condescended to.

"He didn't. He only mentioned you two talked about the afterlife. There was something off about that being what frightened him. My brother has better sense than that...usually."

“Oh…” She hesitated. At least he didn’t double down. She thought for a moment. She hated when people refused to tell her the truth when she directly asked. She’d hate to be on that side of this. Still. She couldn’t tell him everything. “Well… he said it’d upset you, too.”

"Then he doesn't know me as well as he thinks. Ghosts aren't real." He settled back in his chair with a huff.

“Oh… okay.” She nodded.

"Was that all it was then, truly?"

“Yes.” She nodded. Ish. “… basically…”

He sighed. He wouldn't get anything out of her without prying, and he knew that would do more harm than good. He'd just have to go to Tomhas again and try to figure out what was going on. "Very well." He dipped his head. "Thank you for the...insight."

Ky nodded anxiously. “Um… mhmm.” She hated keeping secrets. But. Well. Tomhas had asked her to. If she could keep Aleth’s secrets she sure as hell could keep her father’s. She took another step backward, ready to flee.

He looked back at the letter, waiting for her to leave.

Ky awkwardly made for the door.