lips downturn, more reflective than sad as her fingers follow suit— grazing over the ridges in his skin, memorizing the mosaic of his scars. ❝ an old friend, huh ? ❞ she repeats, softening tenderly in rib lining. it must have hurt, for someone so close to leave such a vicious wound. part of her wants to ask what happened. frank isn't exactly easy to hit, but it's so difficult to poke at his sorrows. pause & she responds to his inquiry with a gentle hum, light - hearted in wake of bitter memories. they've lived completely different lives . . . even their bodies reflect it. ❝ it's about what you'd expect from a spoiled, boarding school near - dropout. ❞ touch drifts to his chest to trace absent circles. GOD, SHE ADORES HIM. he was honest, she can be too. ❝ i saw my mom go . . . adjusting after that wasn't really easy. even if it was better, in the end. ❞