– What?" she smiled, probably noticing my confusion.

– Nothing. I just think you've changed a lot," I replied with a smile.

– For the better, I hope?

– You've become calm and sensible. My little girl has grown up all of a sudden! – I patted her cheek. – No more tantrums?

– No, Fredrik's not that lucky so far. Sometimes I can't hold back my emotions. I try very hard, but I guess it's my nature!

We laughed good-naturedly. She was so sweet, my Misha. She was making jokes about herself. Marvellous.

"That's my nature," she said. What is my nature then? To be an evil bitch, ruining the lives of my own sister and mother? Oh, God. How does Misha tolerate my company? She's so beautiful, so innocent. An angel. I guess it's true that dirt is most noticeable when white shoes are shining clean next to them.

That's how we drove: me – dirt and lies, and Misha – beautiful snow-white sneakers. Riding along a beautiful clear lake, in the heart of a magical Swedish forest.

– Do you still drive the poor Mustang? – I changed the subject, for it was unbearable. For me.

– Yes. Fredrik loves it. He drives it. I have a motorbike.

– What? A motorbike? – I was pleasantly surprised. – Somehow I thought you'd have the Volvo Fredrik would have chosen for you!

– No, I didn't. This time his displeasure doesn't bother me. In everything else, of course, I'm always inferior to him. I know it's bad. But I love him so much. I don't know how to express it! But I'm not that naive girl anymore, and he has to accept that I have an opinion. I can feel that strength in me – the strength to say no," Misha said in a serious tone.

– That's right. No one should be in charge of your life but you, and I'm glad you're beginning to realise that. – Her words pleasantly surprised me. I was proud of her.

– But really, I don't feel like he's disadvantaging me. I just trust his judgement because he's lived so many years and I'm just starting to learn about life. But it won't last forever. I'll grow up and be independent in my judgement. In the meantime, I have one small victory – my motorbike.

– Exactly. You've got a lot more ahead of you, my darling. Just live and learn. What kind of motorbike?

– Bajaj Pulsar 2000.

– You'll show me, because I prefer cars.

– Of course I do. Where's your luggage?

– In Reykjavik,' I answered without going into details.

– I have a lot of clothes. Take whatever you want," Misha said with a smile.

– Oh, I know that. Thank you, sweetheart. It's like old times.

We used to swap clothes whenever we had the chance to be around each other. But, out of my entire wardrobe, Misha always took only modest clothes. If I had any. I knew that after another visit to Prague, she often brought Mariszka's clothes with her, as if she was too lazy to buy them for herself. Or Misha so trusted the "impeccable", as everyone said, taste of our saint. Boring, if you ask me.

– And what are you doing at the lake? – I asked.

– I got tired of living in Stockholm, so we came back here, – Misha informed me.

– For how long?

– A couple of months. I'm so glad you're here! But why and for how long?

– I'm tired, too. Mentally. Decided to spend time with my beloved sister. – I smiled quite a bit. And it was almost true. – How long? Three weeks.

– That short? – Misha grumbled unhappily.

– Yes, I'm sorry. But I have an exhibition, an opening.

– Oh yes! Mum told me! – cheerfully chirped her little sister.

– I'm sure she did," I grinned. – Are you coming to the opening?

– When?

– The tenth of October.

– Still asking? Of course! And Fredrik will come with me, even if he refuses!