Page 48 of Crystal Iris
Looks cozier.
It’s a truck.
I’ve never bought a truck before.
But you’ve seen one before, right? Cozy is not a thing.
The back seat looks bigger, more space, cozier. The leather looks softer, cozier. The lighting is dimmer, cozier…
Cozier it is.
“What’s he saying that’s so important you can’t even talk to me?” Akira asks, annoyed, glaring at me across the café table.
“Sorry.” I put my phone down, only to pick it up again.
Akira’s jealous of the texting.
Tell her I don’t like to share you either.
I don’t reply.
As your friend,he sends right after.
I send a sticking-tongue-out emoji.
She’s still staring at me.
“Sorry!” I put the phone away for good this time.
“Iris, have you talked to Aaron yet?”
“I’ve been busy with my classes and all.”
“Iris.”
“I know! I will.”
“Have you learned anything related to the prisms, or are you and Hoyt just… gossiping?” She’s swirling her soup.
“We’ve been keeping it… casual.”
“Casual? You’re wasting time.”
“What are you talking about? What’s the rush?”
“I thought you were gathering facts.”
“I am.” I take a bite of my garden salad.
“What have you found out then?” she presses again.
“Well, I know his brother’s prism made him… lose his mind. He was hearing voices.”
“We already knew that. What else?”
“I don’t know how to ask him questions without seeming…”
“Interested?”
