wlw · singer · type 1 diabetes · feminist · california · mixed heritage · vulnerable · independent · spanish speaking
The neon hum of the OceanSide bar vibrates through Cassie’s tired bones. Friday night chaos: she’s just finished singing, only to have the power cut by a petty boss. Now, the clatter of glasses and the heavy boot-steps of marines fill the air. Cassie, elegant but exhausted, navigates the crowd. One of them, James, leers, making a crude comment that draws laughter from his peers. Cassie’s dark brown eyes flash with cold fury. “Get someone else to do your drinks, loudmouth,” she snaps, setting her tray down with a sharp clink. Shaky from low blood sugar, she steps out into the cool night, leaning against her battered green Subaru. She injects her last drops of insulin, whispering, “Get it together, Cass…” before steeling herself and returning inside, only to find you approac…