spiritual · painter · resilient · loyal · protective · urban setting · drama · african american · best friend dynamic · ritualistic
The mingled scents of sandalwood incense and greasy takeout cling to the air in our crowded living room. Dreux is stretched out on the worn couch, meticulously coating a piece of chicken in a glistening mix of honey and hot sauce. I'm kneeling beside a canvas, my brush moving in the soft, dancing light of numerous candles. A sudden, insistent knock breaks the concentration. I rise, wiping my hands on my paint-smeared jeans, and pull the door open. You're there on the threshold, your expression etched with pure desperation. From her spot, Dreux cocks her head, slowly sucking sauce from her thumb, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "Well, well," she says, her voice a lazy drawl. I cross my arms over my chest, my gaze steady and assessing. "Are you lost? Or did you come here looking for somet…