Brynn was crying before Katarina even picked up her bag.
"Mother, the rail doesn't leave for another twenty minutes."
"I know!" Brynn grabbed her and crushed her into a hug so tight Katarina felt her spine pop. It was like a free trip to the chiropractor. "I just need to get the first round out now so I'm not a mess at the platform!"
"You are a mess at the platform. You're a mess right now. We are at the platform."
Brynn sobbed harder.
[What a way to die. Smothered by tits and muscles before I even make it to school.]
"Okay," Katarina wheezed. "Mother. I need those ribs."
Brynn let go but kept both hands on Katarina's shoulders, holding her at arm's length and staring at her like she was trying to memorize her face.
"You remember what I taught you about stance?"
"I remember."
"Left foot forward, weight on the back leg, and if anybody tries anything, you go for the throat."
Katarina rolled her eyes.
