2022, March 23th

Collapse - 27 years

The ride to Katherine's house was muted—not what Josephine would have expected from an inquisitive girl who'd just discovered her secret ability. Josephine tried to break the silence.

"I'm glad somebody finally threw mind reading in Alex's face."

"Yeah." Katherine was gazing out the window.

"For years he's been using everyone's personal lives against them. But you taught him a lesson. I don't know if he'll forgive you, but I don't think he'll ever bully you again."

"I guess," Katherine wasn't convinced. Alexander's behavior had tainted Katherine's opinion of the coven. Josephine's optimism couldn't change that.

She kept trying anyway. "Who knows? Maybe Alex's power was just the first. Maybe you can learn all our powers."

"Maybe." Katherine hesitated. "Why does Sakhr keep him around?"

Josephine knew who she was referring to. "He's a jerk, but he's one of us. We're a family. Sometimes you don't like your siblings, but you put up with them anyway."

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"Sakhr doesn't see him as family. He hates Alex. Everybody does except for Anton. Sakhr only keeps him around because he's useful, and Alex knows that. He just doesn't care."

"You saw a lot in his mind, didn't you?"

Katherine shrugged halfheartedly.

"Maybe now that you can read minds too," Josephine said. "Alexander will have to behave himself."

"Maybe..."

"Is something wrong, kiddo?"

Katherine turned to look at Josephine. Josephine had her eyes on the road. She pulled onto Katherine's street and parked before her house.

"No. Nothing's wrong."

"You're morose for somebody who just learned how to read minds."

"I guess." A pause. "Do you think you could stay for a while?"

"I have to get back."

"Please? Now that I can read minds, I can help you improve your power too. I was serious before. I really do think you're not using it to its full potential. You could be erasing so much more than just yourself from people's minds."

"And we'll have plenty of time to work on it tomorrow on the plane. I promise."

"Please?"

Josephine shook her head. "Sakhr wants me back. Besides, this is your last night. You should spend it with your father. We'll have lifetimes to spend together."

Katherine was silent a while. When she spoke, the words came out flat. "Okay." She opened the car door. "Tomorrow then."

"Flight's at ten!" Josephine called after her. "I'll pick you up here at seven fifty."

"Yeah, sure." Katherine smiled. It seemed forced.

Josephine watched as Katherine walked up to her house. She thought of getting out and joining Katherine, just for a while. After the way Alexander had treated her, she could probably use some assurance. She'd just spend a few minutes with her, that's all.

She didn't though.