Page 5 of Sixty Meters Under

“You still haven’t given up on that idea?” Lennart dropped a question, and Anna gave him a scolding look.

Björn looked at him again, and said, “Of course not. Did you think I would give up so easily?”

“No, but after that terrible accident, I thought you would reconsider it. I think you should.”

Björn was at the beginning of his career as a professional racer, and during his third race had barely escaped an accident,passing three wrecked cars in front of the finish line. One of the drivers had actually died.

“As you said, it was an accident. I don’t believe that something like that will happen again in the near future.”

“Still, It’s a risky business.”

“As if your career is risk-free.” Björn’s eyes narrowed as he pounded his fist on the table and stabbed his finger at his brother. “You have a two hundred percent more dangerous career than I do, dealing with shitty lowlifes.”

Lennart didn’t flinch. He glared piercingly at his brother, and denied, “I disagree…”

“You’re the smart one. You should know it! You could easily end up like our dad.”

“Björn, stop it!” Anna exclaimed.

“Tell that to Lennart, he started it! Why is it always me who’s the bad son?” Björn complained.

Lennart added, bitterly. “Yes! Why is it always you who is bad?”

“No one is saying that,” Anna denied, shaking with emotion.

“No. You’re not saying… You’re showing me. With every damn opportunity!”

“No, I don’t–” Anna shook her head and tried to calm her breathing.

Björn lost control over his voice. “Lennart is always the best in everything! Damn. He’s good at whatever he chooses, and whatever he does! No matter what!”

“That’s not true,” Lennart interjected.

“Oh, is that so? Then why didn’t you give up after the failed arrest? And why didn’t Mom protest when you wanted to become a detective?” Björn raised his voice a notch higher, his face getting redder and redder.

“Björn, please,” Anna tried to cut the tension between her sons.

“That’s different.” Lennart said, breathing heavily.

“No. It’s way worse!” Björn continued, deaf to his mother’s plea. “You’re going to end up dead, just like dad!”

“Enough!” Anna screamed and covered her eyes.

Both young men froze and looked at their mother. The last time they saw her like this was when they’d heard the news of their father’s demise. Björn paled, while Lennart remained petrified.

“I’m not hungry anymore.” Björn raised his hands and pushed himself away from the table. He left his food uneaten, and walked out of the kitchen.

Lennart ran his hand over his face and loudly sighed. Although he felt his blood still boil, he got up and approached his mother. “Don’t listen to him.” He hugged her. “You know he’s like that most of the time…”

“Yeah, I know… I know,” Anna said, but Lennart understood she was deeply shaken. He never wanted to get involved in these situations, but sometimes it could not be avoided. He had a built-up anger as well, and he couldn’t always control it.

“I’m sorry,” Lennart finally said, and his heart calmed a little.

“It’s no one’s fault,” Anna reassured him, but Lennart knew that both of them caused her distress.

Anna closed her eyes tight, Lennart knew she tried to calm her emotions. Although she was doing her best to make it easier for herself and everyone around her, it was always a challenge.

Eleven years had passed. Eleven long years since their dad passed, and it didn’t get any easier. His mother sometimes swore that she could hear his voice, or his footsteps around the house. At times it was comforting, but at most times it drove Lennart crazy.