Polina
Hey, just checking in. How are you feeling today?
I smile and text her back.
Much better, thanks.
Polina
Oh good. I know that Matvei is out today, and I also know that he’s put heavy security at the gates for you. Didn’t want to wake you, but he was chatting with Rafail early this morning.
Maybe Anya and I can come by later tonight? After we’re done with errands with Stefan, we’ll bring food from her bakery.
Wait. What?
Anya has a bakery?
Polina
Anya just happens to own the most delicious bakery this side of Moscow.
Oh my god, I love that. Wait—does she really? Does she have sharlotka cake?
My mouth is already watering at the thought of the layers of flaky pastry and apples.
Polina
It’s her specialty, and those are my number one favorite.
Me too.
Polina
Maybe that weird stuff they say about twins being separated is actually true.
Polina
Maybe it is. And… Do you also drink ice-cold diet soda for breakfast?
Nope. I’m a coffee girl.
Polina
Ugh, betrayal.
Minutes pass, no message. Am I being too weird, too forward, too?—
Polina
Sorry, Rafail was talking to me, and he gets really impatient.
You don’t say.
Polina
Stay busy and try to get some movement in—it’ll help with the whole recovery thing. We’ll be by later this afternoon
Okay, sounds good.
