– Yeah, that's what I mean. You looked into each other's eyes, didn't you?

– We did, Galya. So bottomless, but empty. And clear, like crystal. No, not empty, not empty at all!

– You're a Butterfly, Louise. And the love of a Butterfly is not an easy thing. It's the second time in my life, though it's been a long time. What a miracle!

– Are you saying Butterflies can't love human boys? Where would they find someone to love?

– Nowhere, dear. I used to be a butterfly myself. And I live alone. As you can see, I still do," Galina said, probably trying to emphasize a certain sense of pride.

– Alone? But, Galya, you are not alone. To be more precise, you… we live together!

– You realize that I'm talking about something another, " said Galya slyly.

– W… well, yes, okay. So what about the Butterflies? What will happen to me?

– I'm not forbidding you to love, Louise. The heart can't forbid it. And I don't want you to suffer. At least not for the next six years.

– What will happen in six years? " Louise asked insistently. She hadn't even gotten off the hallway rug yet.

– You're not ready for this conversation yet, baby. Grow up a little more, please.

– But I'm a teenager now! How…" she objected.

– I don't disagree that your body is changing. But please, talk to your mind. Make it serious.

– You said that at eighteen I would become a butterfly. I'll fly and do a little magic. Eat nectar. Travel the skies. Isn't that all?

– No, that's not all.

– Will I get wings on my birthday?

– What? " Galya was surprised by this change of subject.

– Well, I mean, how is the transformation? Is it painful or…

– My little bunny, let's calm down. Go to your room and take a nap. I'll wake you up when the cutlets are ready.

– Galya, I… I want to see my mom.

– I'm sure she's already read your letter.

– So soon? " objected the girl. Even the best mail in the world does not deliver mail so quickly. Unless it's pigeon mail. But Louise hadn't seen any pigeons lately.

– Maybe you're right. I need to calm down. I'll put things in order," she said softly and went to her room. What she missed now was a mother's simple love! … Any mother can tell you whether Niels is good or bad.

It's she. She's definitely she. What the is this? What is she even doing in his life? She just barged in by accident, that's all. Oh, she walked in quietly. Little Louise and almost grown-up Niels. Has a silly name and is finishing his service. Definitely no university next, only Latin. Mom doesn't mind that.

Louise is lucky – her parents probably don't control her every move, so she can walk and wander wherever she wants. I wonder where she lives? What school does she go to? And how old is she? Is she human?

Niels arrived home completely exhausted and immediately collapsed on the bed. The teaching had gone by rather quickly, but he still ran out of energy. It was good that tomorrow was Sunday. They'll be able to meet. They'll see each other.

– Are you here?" Mom came into the room. She was wearing slippers and a pink robe – typical "mom" clothes. But Louise had never seen Galya like that.

– No, Mom, I crawled in. Can't you see I'm here? Or should I have answered that I'm not here? " Niels grinned back. And really, what kind of ridiculous questions are these?

– Don't yell at your mother, rude boy!" she exclaimed and slammed the door. Niels remained in the room, as if scalded by boiling water. What a load of crap! …

"Tomorrow I'll have to get Louise's phone number. Well, no way to chase her out of my heart! …"