Theea
maybe there's a way out of the cage where you live
I listen to him talk about plants, a little wistfulness creeping in despite myself. I never got that chance with our nonna—never knew her at all, really. I try not to let the bitterness creep in, try not to blame my mother for all the gaps in my life. I just smile. “Your trade sounds a lot more exciting than I expected,” I admit. “I’d love to see some of your plants one day.”
When his brightness flickers for just a beat before he covers it with cheer, I notice—but I don’t press. That feels like the kind of conversation you save for another time, in private, when trust and maybe a bit of alcohol smooth the edges. So instead I look down at my dress and let my grin widen. “Thank you,” I say warmly. “This looks amazing. I think I could really get used to being your cousin.”
I glance back up at him, eyes bright with easy affection. “I’m already looking forward to next time we get to hang out.”
When his brightness flickers for just a beat before he covers it with cheer, I notice—but I don’t press. That feels like the kind of conversation you save for another time, in private, when trust and maybe a bit of alcohol smooth the edges. So instead I look down at my dress and let my grin widen. “Thank you,” I say warmly. “This looks amazing. I think I could really get used to being your cousin.”
I glance back up at him, eyes bright with easy affection. “I’m already looking forward to next time we get to hang out.”
maybe one of these days you can let the light in
