These days, Kathleen is in full “preteen” mode. It’s more of a character she plays than anything (though I’m not sure that she knows where the character ends and she begins). She is so done with everything. She hates unicorns. She hates school. There is ever so much eye rolling. Most recently she has taken to saying “I hate you” rather than “I love you” when I give her a hug while dropping her off in the mornings. (Which I find hilarious).
What makes all of this especially fun is that Lucy feels obligated to do the opposite of Kathleen. So she has become entirely affirming and loving. And to achieve full annoyance effect, she orients this positivity directly at Kathleen. So, she openly professes her love and admiration for her sister, looking for every opportunity to give Kathleen hugs. Which Kathleen, of course, hates.
I have never enjoyed sibling rivalry more!