eyes scan over the page, mouth slight agape. she turned the page only to find that the words stop. a sharp shift from being invested in the text, to the surprise at it's conclusion. carrie moves from the heavy manuscript in her hands to nikki, trying to gauge what to say next. it was e n t h r a l l i n g. perhaps the best set of pages they'd ever shared in their correspondence. carried leaned back on her couch, closing the manuscript. " it's incredible. truly nikki - i couldn't put it down. "
" are you working on the next chapter - or is this the full draft ? “ she adjusted herself, stretching to reach her mug. she cups it in both hands, letting the warmth of the liquid radiate through her palms. “ you've got such a clear authorial voice. it's really impressive y'know. "
she lets the words settle. and for a moment it was quiet. not in that stale way her mother liked - where noise felt like an intrustion and existing was a burden. but instead something comfortable. welcome even. she could sit in the company of a friend for a long as either of them needed. it was safe. she had made sure to keep it that way. carrie hoped that her home felt like that to nikki. a place where they could both be themselves our of reach from the universe's cruel hands.
" i don't think they're going to be able to keep this on the shelves. "
NIKKI / @freakyn1kki
