Hello, Universe

by Erin Entrada Kelly

“I’m just saying. It can’t be easy for Virgil. First off, he’s a Pisces.” Kaori turned away from the star chart and walked to the edge of her circle rug. Gen followed at her heels. “Look at the sign for Pisces. It’s two fish swimming in opposite directions. Do you know why?” Gen shook her head. “Because Pisces are always at odds with themselves. They’re never quite sure what to do. No self-confidence. Overly sensitive.” Gen squatted down to get a good look at the fish. “Now look at Scorpio,” Kaori said. Gen’s dark eyes shifted to the neighboring sign on the rug. “Ew. It’s a bug.” “No,” Kaori snapped, as if Gen had just cursed both their parents. “Well, yes. It’s a bug. But not just any bug. It’s a scorpion, Gen. A scorpion. Do you know what that means?” “She has a tail?” Kaori apologized to the spirits again, then said, “No. It means she’s sharp and independent. She’s assertive, full of confidence. She’s probably got a little temper, too, and a ton of friends, all competing for her attention, while poor Virgil talks to a rodent. Basically, they’re the exact opposite of each other. Nothing in common, I bet. Not a thing.” Gen considered this. She looked up at her sister. “Maybe she likes rodents, too.” Kaori sighed for a third time. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she said.