““Maybe we shouldn’t live here,” I found myself saying. “Don’t start that again. We’ve been posted here.” “No, I mean maybe we shouldn’t live in this house.” “Where else would we live?” “I’m sure we could find an inn or something.” That was what Pairs often did. “And we would tell my cousin what as we throw her hospitality back in her face?” “Blame it on artistic temperament.” “Mine, I suppose.” “We can claim it’s mine, if you want. I don’t care.” Actually, it would irk me a little, but that was better than having Taro tied in knots all the time. He snorted. “You must be really worried about me if you’re willing to admit to any kind of emotional turmoil.” Hey, was he trying to claim I actually had emotional turmoil? He was the moody one. “Your mother lives right next door, Taro. I’m more than willing to put some space between us and her.” “Oh, my gods.” He put a hand over his eyes. “Her.” Actually, I found it strange that she hadn’t come over yet, but I didn’t say so. Speaking it out loud, I feared most irrationally, might actually make it happen. “I don’t think we should move,” said Taro. “It makes sense for us to be here. It is the place that has the most empty space, and we’re family. I’m just being ridiculous. You’re supposed to smack me up the back of the head and tell me to be sensible.” “You’re too far away.””
