we write out the ends on our palms, then forget to read
Flora hums, pleased, like a cat in the sun. "Oh, I spoil you on purpose, obviously. Perks of being my bestie. Comes with your very own picnic and fresh gossip." She pours the lemonade with a flourish, handing Sohalia a cup like it’s champagne, like this whole hillside is a private gala and not just a well-placed hill.
She plucks a tart from the tray and takes a dramatic bite, eyes wide. "Okay, this one might be from the questionable category. I grabbed it from that new place near the docks. You know the one with the owner who always smells like fish guts but insists his pastries are infused with ocean minerals and are good for you?" She grins, licking a bit of jam from her thumb. "Anyway, if I start glowing or develop gills, you’ll know why."
Her tone is light, her laugh easy—but the longer she sits, the more something odd simmers beneath her skin. A stillness. A clarity too sharp. Like a painting that’s been retouched just a little too much—too bright, too composed. She turns back toward Sohalia, curling one leg beneath her. "Soooooo. Have you been to see Ace anymore since I saw you last?"
She plucks a tart from the tray and takes a dramatic bite, eyes wide. "Okay, this one might be from the questionable category. I grabbed it from that new place near the docks. You know the one with the owner who always smells like fish guts but insists his pastries are infused with ocean minerals and are good for you?" She grins, licking a bit of jam from her thumb. "Anyway, if I start glowing or develop gills, you’ll know why."
Her tone is light, her laugh easy—but the longer she sits, the more something odd simmers beneath her skin. A stillness. A clarity too sharp. Like a painting that’s been retouched just a little too much—too bright, too composed. She turns back toward Sohalia, curling one leg beneath her. "Soooooo. Have you been to see Ace anymore since I saw you last?"
