He wasn't supposed to care about losing her. They were wrong anyway, she wished he could understand that. He needed someone sweet and accomodating and attentive. Pep tried in her way, but that wasn't her.

But it wasn't his business, especially not family because the reason he didn't know was - "My mother is not crazy," she hissed. The only person who was allowed to say anything about Pepper's mum was Pepper. And maybe she did think her mother was a bit loopy from time to time, but no one else got to make comments about it. "I never told you because I was..." Running away. Keeping my distance. Trying to forget. But he didn't know why, which made it unfair to pass judgement. "I had my reasons for not talking about them, and it's fine that you talked about your family, and will you stop talking about Adam Young like you know anything about him? You've never met him! So stop with your conspiracy theories about it!"

She paused for a moment before she remembered how he had been referring to her. "And it's Pepper," she said quietly, lividly. "The only person who calls me Pippin here is my mum. My name is Pepper."