Things may be strained and awkward between Lucky and Josef right now, but the events in this piece give their relationship a glimmer of hope.

I think that this story is very realistic - after having such an emotionally-charged and changing night, it is natural that things would be different between them, at least at first.
“You will never know,” she said thickly, “what last night cost me. Never.” Then what was left of her façade crumbled, and she fled to her room as the tears began.
Very revealing.
I liked how the "conversation" had two components - the spoken dialogue and the inner thoughts. Those two need to learn how to communicate effectively - hiding what needs to be said will do them both a disservice.
Thank you!
