andhiswife | (Reply)

"You're an angel," Lari all but coos at her, pitching her voice down like there could be someone just outside who'll hear her. There isn't, and they can't, but it feels right to do her part to avoid drawing attention to them both.

The cool night air whispers in through the door as Greta draws it wider to let them both step out, and Larita draws it closed behind her, careful not to let it slam or let the handle jangle too loudly in the quiet around them. Then she draws out her cigarette case and lighter, cupping her hand around the flame as she lights one up. That first, dizzying hit of nicotine has Lari closing her eyes, and she sighs the smoke out through her nose on a long, relieved exhale.

"This whole thing is so ridiculous," she whispers, not for the first time since it was announced so many months ago. "I hate that you've had to do this twice, now."