“Here you go, honey.” She leans away, eyeing me warily. Okay, ouch. Why is this hurting my feelings? Karlsson says a few quick words in Swedish, gesturing to me, and her tension eases a bit. “Does she speak English?” “She understands it better than she speaks,” he replies. “American shows and movies are quite popular here. But she’s generally shy around strangers.” “Well, she comes by that honestly,” I say with a smile. “I have a present for her. Do you think that might help break this ice?” He raises a brow in surprise. “You have a present for her?” “Duh.” I hand him the little plastic cup of
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