“Brat,” Balalaika says, but her tone is almost affectionate. She shouldn’t keep spoiling you like this. “Fine. Where did you want to eat?”

She buys you whatever you want. Truthfully, she’ll do almost anything for you. She likes how much you depend on her. It’s reassuring. You won’t leave her if you come to rely on her for everything.

Her thumb presses to your bottom lip. “You’ve become more manipulative.” She says it like it’s a compliment.