Camilla smoothed out the edge of the bedsheet and sat down on the mattress. "Catheleen, I actually need a favor from you."
"Sure, anything," Catheleen agreed immediately.
"I know you and your cousin are close, but... after everything that's happened, I really don't feel comfortable facing him. Catheleen, when he gets here, I think I'll head out for a bit to give you two space."
"What?"
Catheleen's eyes widened in panic. If Lambert showed up with a feast and Camilla wasn't here, he would absolutely murder her.
But Camilla was her best friend, and she couldn't just ignore her feelings.
She decided she'd risk her cousin's wrath just this once. In the future, she wouldn't help him scheme anymore.
"Cammie, I'm just so happy you moved in today. My cousin coming over was a spontaneous thing anyway. After tonight... I swear, I won't let him come over if he asks. I promise!"
"You don't have to swear," Camilla smiled softly. "I believe you."
"Then just stay and eat with us tonight," Catheleen pleaded, using her best puppy-dog eyes. "Consider it a welcome home dinner. Please?"
Catheleen was a master at pouting, and Camilla, who viewed her like a younger sister, couldn't bring herself to say no.
It was just one meal, after all. She nodded in agreement.
A little while later, the doorbell chimed.
Catheleen jumped up. "If you don't want to talk to him, just ignore him. Don't worry, I've got your back!"
With that, she sprinted to the front door.
Camilla smiled, a wave of warmth washing over her.
Even though they weren't blood-related, Catheleen always prioritized her feelings.
It was a stark contrast to Lean Green and his family.
She had treated them like true family, giving them her unwavering devotion, only to walk away covered in scars.
It's never the final straw that breaks the camel's back.
It's the crushing, relentless weight of every single burden piled on day after day.
When the camel finally collapses, not a single piece of straw is innocent.

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