Kathrine turned to him, still smiling. "You basically just told me you want to emotionally sabotage me."
"Romantically sabotage," he corrected. "There's a difference."
She shook her head, the heaviness in her chest easing just a little.
Ethan reached over and gently tugged her toward him until she was half lying against his shoulder.
"Look," he said softly, "you're allowed to walk away from things that hurt you. Even if they're family. Especially if they're family."
She rested her head against him. "You're surprisingly wise for someone who fake-argues with pillows."
"I contain multitudes."
She laughed again, quieter this time.
For the first time all evening, her thoughts felt less like a storm and more like a breeze.
"You really think I'm not being selfish?" she asked.
Ethan didn't hesitate. "No. I think you're finally being fair to yourself."
She closed her eyes, breathing him in.
