Question

goddess, was a gift?
how can the sisters be related to a sea goddess?
learn more.

nadia glanced at her sister, remembering the pride and concern in brigids eyes when she realized they both carried their ancient ancestors genes and were fated to be mermaids.

\sorry, but im trying to teach you something,\ said brigid, \and i dont want you to get hurt.\

\im not going to get hurt while backing into a spot in an empty parking lot,\ nadia spat back.

a heavy blanket of silence fell over the car while nadia stared out the window at the ocean. a man off in the distance was the only swimmer around. it was at this beach that brigid had taught nadia about their ancestors and how to transform from legs to tail and back again so that she could protect the local waters. they used to be so close, nadia thought. when had things changed?
why is nadia upset?
nadia is thinking back to an earlier time when brigid was supportive, especially at the moment when nadia discovered she was also mermaid
now, the \heavy blanket of silence\ in the car reveals that the sisters are
beginning to grow apart
keeping a harmful secret
focusing on the swimmer

Explanation:

The text shows Nadia is upset because she contrasts Brigid's past support (when she learned they were mermaids) with their current tense, silent interaction. The "heavy blanket of silence" and Nadia's thought about when they grew distant reveal their relationship is fraying.

Answer:

Nadia is upset because she is reflecting on how her relationship with Brigid has changed: Brigid was supportive when Nadia discovered she was a mermaid, but now there is a tense, heavy silence between them, and Nadia feels they are beginning to grow apart.
The correct option for the blank about the "heavy blanket of silence" is: beginning to grow apart