It is a cold, autumn day when Tina realizes her mistake. Under the dead limbed branches, Selene’s eyes - normally the colour of a sun splashed sky - are a furious, seething blue.  

“This is stupid,” Selene says, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re leaving me because - because what? You think you’re cursed?”

“I said, forget it,” Tina snaps, turning on her heel.

“ No. You don’t get to do this. You don’t get to just - to just leave. It’s not fair.”

“I’m not doing this because it’s fair.”

“Then why? What do you even want?” Selene shouts. “Why would you even pretend to be friends with me if you were just going to do this?” 

She turns her head. In the corner of her eye she sees a squirrel dart across the parking lot. Outside the corner of her mouth she says; “ You wouldn’t get it.”

Her face twists with indignation. Distracted, almost dazed, Tina has the thought that maybe this is the most beautiful Selene has ever been. She is mesmerizing in her fury. She is mesmerizing and she is beautiful and she might kill Tina before the monster does. 

“God.” A furious exhale.  Why do I care? Do whatever you want. I’m not in charge of you.”

Tina smiles. Bares her teeth. Says, “Glad you agree.”