Everyone has a breaking point.

It could be something as insignificant as one sentence in a messenger, or a short email. In one second the equilibrium of everyday chaotic life topples over, and everything falls into a heap. And at the center of it – a desolate, sad figure, too apathetic to do anything.

Only in movies you have theatrical breakdowns in tears and screaming. Real life is not that dramatic. It's enough to get one message and do nothing afterwards. The point being, nothing is the same after that moment. No matter how insignificant it may feel right then...

But one learns to deal with the new reality. After all, humans are an incredibly adaptable species.

At least that's what Victoria thought, looking out the window at the blur of brown and grey landscape rolling past the window.

Someone stupid said manners don't cost a thing. How unimaginative. There is a good amount of effort, both mental and physical, in maintaining good behaviour. All those muscles tensing in kind smiles, and stopping hands from clenching, or legs from kicking… This is a strenuous and deliberate exercise. Why wouldn't people recognise it as such?

"Everything alright, Kitten?"

Speaking of which. There she was, silent and nearly scowling, not paying any attention to cousin Sel behind the wheel. Not putting any effort in at least pretending for her.

"Just a bit jetlagged I guess. Sorry."

"I wish I could say you'll get a nice rest at home, but the truth is I don't think kids will give you a minute to think. Let alone sleep peacefully."

That was the idea. Coming for a month or two to stay at her cousin's and take care of her adopted children, while trying to undo the damage of ignoring that one small message.

"We'll manage," Victoria said with a tight smile.

"Oh, you sound so British when you say that!"

"Do I? I never heard myself speaking more properly than I do now." She exaggerated the Brummie sound of the words, enunciating the vowels.

They laughed, and the lead-like pressure on Victoria's chest eased a fraction.

"Isn't it too much, me staying with you indefinitely?"

"Don't be stupid. It's fine. Bruce said he'd welcome the savings on a babysitter."

"I can cook too," Vic reminded, only half joking. "I intend to be a very useful houseguest."

"Oh, goodie!" Selina cheered. „I need my windows cleaned, you know…"

That made Victoria wildly shake her head. Contrary to her cousin, Vic hated heights.

"I'm not tall enough to do it without the ladder, and I can do it on the ladder because I don't have the appropriate insurance ma'am."

"How unfortunate," the older woman faked sadness like no other, Victoria could almost believe it was genuine. "Speaking of tall people. There will be another two guests for Christmas."

"I think you mentioned, Bruce's uncle, the one I met at the wedding? Tall, distinguished gentleman?"

"Alfred, yes. And our coworker. He is in between assignments and has to finish some things with Bruce, so since they usually work closely together, it seemed like the only natural thing to invite him in. Otherwise, he would spend the entire holiday season in a motel."

How uncharacteristic, thought Victoria. Her cousin used to be very territorial. The place around her table had to be earned, the trust maintained...

"You weren't this soft before," she mused out loud.

"I changed," Selina admitted. "As did you." Her eyes left the road for a second to send a meaningful look at Victoria's short hair.

"Well, I'm still interested in the same things I liked as a kid. Only now I can play with all those shinies legally."

That throwback to their childhood made Selina chuckle.

"How lucky for you, Kitten."

"I never really understood why you chose to be an accountant. And adopt kids."

"You'll see. Once you get to know my family, you'll see."

"I thought I was your family," Victoria murmured under her breath.

Selina either didn't hear or chose to ignore it, focused on exiting an intersection.

"I can't believe it's been five years since we last seen each other in person." Selina tried to restart the conversation.

The disappointment burned in Victoria's chest and left a bitter taste in her mouth. Still, she tried to sound happy.

"Right? It's crazy. That grant came out of nowhere."

The car turned right and merged into the traffic on the road to Deale.

"I'm glad you could learn exactly what interests you."

"And in Birmingham! You'd love it there. So much history and pubs!"

"You're going to stay there?"

"No, that was never the plan. I have a few prospects before me, but for now, I just want to rest a little bit and enjoy not having to study for once."

"Sounds like a plan. But what did you do with all your things?"

"It's in storage." There were plans to move it, but Victoria didn't reply to that one message, and all her aspirations folded like a fan on a windy day. "So, tell me about the kids."

Selina smiled, focusing on getting out of the traffic circle.

"You'll see them soon enough. Besides Cassie's silence, they're just normal kids."

"Just like we used to be?"

That made them both laugh.

Nothing in their upbringing was stereotypical or normal, least of all them both.