“And how is this mysterious other person?”

Valkyrie’s head dropped. “I wish I hadn’t told you about that.”

“Oh, come now, you’ve barely told me anything. Today is the day when you reveal all, though. I can feel it. Do I know this person? Boy or girl?”

“Boy,” she said, then frowned. “Well, I don’t know if you’d call him a boy. Male. Definitely male. I don’t know what I’m… When I say there’s someone else, I don’t mean it’s someone I’m going to dump Fletcher for, but… Doesn’t the fact that there is someone else mean something? Doesn’t it mean that my feelings for Fletcher aren’t as strong as…”

“As his feelings for you?”

“Well, yeah.”

“But that was always going to be the case, was it not? That he would feel more deeply for you than you did for him?” China sat down. “I’m enjoying this immensely, by the way.”

Valkyrie looked quizzical. “Enjoying what?”

“I’ve never had any children,” China said, “and I haven’t had a friend in centuries. To me, talking like this is wonderful. So tell me the truth now – have you committed the cardinal sin?”

“Uh, that depends,” Valkyrie said warily. “What’s the cardinal sin?”

“Have you told Fletcher you loved him?”

“Oh,” Valkyrie said, sagging again. “Yes.”

“Oh my.”

“It was ages ago, but… I didn’t mean it like that. Not really. But I said it, and he took it to mean that I’m in love with him. I haven’t mentioned it since. I just… I don’t know.”

“Are you playing with Fletcher’s heart, my dear?”

“I’m trying not to.”

“And this other man?”

“I’ve no interest in a relationship with him, either,” said Valkyrie.

“Either?”

“Sorry?”

“You said you have no interest in a relationship with him, either. Implying that you have no interest in a relationship with him or Fletcher.”

Valkyrie looked startled. “I… That’s not what I meant.”

“Is your relationship with Fletcher coming to an end?”

There was silence, and then, “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant… Oh, God, I don’t know. I like having Fletcher. He’s warm, and nice, and safe.”

“All good qualities,” China assured her, “in a puppy. You need someone smart, and strong, and capable. Someone assured. You need someone to challenge you. You need someone better than you. That’s what love is, you know. Love is finding someone better than you are, and holding on for dear life.”

“It sounds hard.”

“The good things in life always are. But you’re not looking for love, are you? Of course you’re not. What girl your age is? You want fun. You want someone… amazing. Yes?”

“Yes.”

“How long have you been going out with Fletcher?”

“A year and a half, maybe.”