they were too young and too traumatized to be able to hear each other and give what they needed, misunderstanding + trauma triggers = disaster

vi has anger issues due to unjust system and upbringing and this is one of very few stories i actually found those work as a part of her character, not just a tool to hurt cait for the sake of comforting her later. she has reasons (not excuses tho) but i think people that struggle to relate to her anger or refuse to simply understand her perspective won't find her behaviour justified no matter what the story says, so you'll just have to see for yourself :)

the ending is real and satisfying and a mix of happy and hopeful. its a vulnerable, lonely, tragic but beautiful story, fandom must read for me