Ruth looked a little incredulous “I… don’t think so,” what, openly sharing appreciation for one of her siblings? What was that, a healthy, functioning family? No Ruth, no, best she could do was compliments dressed up as snarky remarks.

Before she could realise what she was doing, Ruth too had started rocking back and forth at the same speed as Kitty. It was really quite an odd feeling and she had no idea why she was doing that, but it was fun. It felt alien yet comforting, like actually complimenting Uriel. She listened to Kitty excitement and quickly understood why she felt so compelled to imitate her: she admired her positivity, the joy she seemed to be able to feel for the life she had built for herself. She had just stopped and savour. “It must be wonderful.” It’s all she managed to say. She had seen very little of Whitby so far and had just peeked the farm and the house. She was curious, but also very sure she was going to get a tour, at some point.

Ruth sighed, a little disappointed, but also reassured she wasn’t about to meet the only buffalo on British soil. Ruth shook her head “Oh no, I am sure there is so much to see in general. I only mentioned it because that’s what I have seen.” Ruth answered “I’d love to see the buffalos. And the Grand Canyon. And the mountains over there.” She shared, with a big smile that made her look almost calm, sort of like a druid or a forest witch. Ruth nodded. She would “Well, this one is your favourite, if you know nothing will compare, I can imagine you might lose interest in seeing it.” It was something hard for her to imagine, but she had a different lot in life and made different choices.