A thought occurs. She could kill Astrid, probably. It'd be easy. Perhaps too easy. She listens to the sound of the other girl choking for a few moments, then lightens her press. As Astrid sucks in air, Maja keeps staring at her. No words.
Give her nothing. Give no ground. Astrid's domain is words, and Maja won't fight her there.
something stronger than words
something stronger than empty air we breathe
when weaker is all we seem to be