Chapter 12: The Invitation

I put on Florian's shirt and opened the door myself.

Pia stood on the landing in her grey coat with her hair coming loose.

She had been crying for a long time. Her nose was red, and her hands were shaking around a cream envelope.

Behind me in the hall, Florian and Nils stood a respectful distance away, barefoot and half dressed.

Pia's eyes went over my shoulder, and over the shirt, and I watched her understand it.

"Oh," she said, very small. "I'm so glad. Marit, I'm so glad you have somewhere."

I almost believed her.

That was the worst part.

It came out of her mouth sounding true, and her face was soft with it.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Clemens doesn't know. He thinks I'm at my mother's."

"Why are you here, Pia?"

She held out the envelope with both hands.

"His parents want to give us an engagement party.

"It's on Saturday, in the pavilion again, because the deposit can't be moved."

"That's very efficient of them."

"His mother is making him."

Her chin trembled.

"She said she won't come unless you do. She wants to hear from your own mouth that you forgive us."

"Does she."

"I told Clemens you'd never say yes. I told him you'd rather die."

"That was kind of you."

"I wrote the card myself," Pia said. "So you'd know it was from me."

I took the envelope.

My name was on the front in her round, careful handwriting.

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