Hesper would be lying if she said hearing the words 'I only miss my parents' come out of Flora's mouth had been both expected and inoffensive. Probably she was supposed to be understanding and keep in mind that people with living parents were allowed to miss them and that it wasn't selfishness to admit as much, but she was only eleven and while generally quite mature for her age, she wasn't emotionally mature in all areas. Fortunately she had just enough tact to keep it to herself.

Fortunately because it seemed Flora was being incredibly candid with her. Hesper almost felt bad for being deceitful about her letter. "Thank you," she replied demurely. Despite feeling affronted just a moment ago she was perfectly sincere. After a beat she couldn't help but add, "What's a psychologist?"

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