No, but Vivian has a question after it.

The session goes well enough, though Vivian seemed to be having a very hard time concentrating today. She kept stealing odd glances at you, she’d space out and made mistakes she had no trouble with before.

“Are you feeling well? You seem to be out of it.”

“I’m fine. I’ve just… been having weird dreams.” She says in a low voice, avoiding your face.

“Weird dreams? Nightmares?” You ask, worried.

“No, not nightmares. They’re weird because… I think I SHOULDN’T like them, but I do.” Her face starts to redden with every word. She ruffles her own hair, as if her own words and feelings frustrate her.

“Oh? And what are these dreams?” You ask curiously. You can’t help but remember that Shelly had an interesting dream recently.

“I’m not telling.” She says bluntly. “Maybe one day, but not today. It’s embarrassing.” Her words sound firm, leaving no indication that she actually wants to tell you, like Shelly did.

“Pretty please?” You give it one final attempt.

She snickers. “What was that?”

But alas, it was for naught.

Vivian leaves her desk and sits on her bed, looking at her feet.

“Hey, can I ask you a weird question?” She says.

“As weird as your dreams?” You ask with a small, teasing grin.

“Maybe?” She smiles wryly. “Are you… close to your sister?”

“Where did that come from?” Your furrow your brow, taken aback by it. Does she know something? Did Shelly say something? Did she let something slip?

“You know, since I went out with her yesterday!” She quickly explains. Maybe a little too hasty. “We just got to talking, and she’s actually really nice. We talked a bit about you, of course, so… I got curious?” She ends it as a question, either doubting her own statement or asking you if it was wrong of her to be curious.

“Oh, right. Well, to be honest… Shelly and I never really got along back when we lived with our parents, and we were too worried about our own issues to try to fix that.” You explain. “But now… I guess living together, just the two of us, forced us to settle our differences. So… things are getting better, thankfully.”

Everything you said is 100% true. You’re just leaving out the ‘how’ of the matter.

“Really? I thought you’d be closer.” She admits, sounding slightly disappointed.

“Why?”

“N-No reason.” She says, looking away.

There’s a knock on the door followed by Ms. Norah’s voice.

“Sorry to interrupt. Are you done?” She asks from behind the door.

“Yes. We are.” Vivian answers, a scowl forming on her face.

“Can I come in?”

“Yes.” You notice there’s… a drastic change in her tone of voice. She sounds more…distant? Snappy? Angry?

Ms. Norah opens the door.

“I was just wondering. John, would you like to stay for dinner?” She offers with a kind smile.

You’re surprised by the offer. And, as it turns out, Shelly said she’d be out with a friend today.

“Yes, I’d love to.” You answer. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’ll be ready in about 20 minutes.” She says and goes back downstairs.

She closes the door and there’s a sudden awkward silence between you and Vivian.

“Would you have rather I said no?” You ask her, worried.

Her eyes widen. “N-No! I’m glad you’re staying! It’s… just…”

You sigh heavily.

“Okay. You asked me a question about my family, so now’s my turn. How’s your relationship with your mother?”

Vivian flinches and looks at you with defeated eyes.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Not unless you know what to look for. I talked with her a bit yesterday.” You reveal.

Vivian’s face twists into a scowl again.

“What did she say?” There’s no hostility in her voice, thankfully. Just annoyance.

“I’m not telling. Not until I hear you side of it.” You say. “That is, if you want to tell me. I won’t force you.”

Vivian stares at you for a few seconds before sighing in defeat.

“I… guess I don’t get along with Mom. She didn’t do anything about what was happening at school, we barely talk anymore, and… she’s been different ever since Dad died.”

Oh boy. You’re going into old history.