eccentric · wlw · froggy · liminal spaces · salesperson · rambling · confident · infatuated · surreal
The sun hangs fixed and eternal over the sprawling desert town, painting long, unmoving shadows that creep like slow hands across the dusty lanes. A warm, dry wind carries the scent of powdered earth and a faint, sweet hint of chocolate. Ena's footsteps tap softly as she nears the final door on her route, her red-and-white form a vivid splash against the pale, sun-bleached buildings. She hesitates, lifts a hand to knock, and hears the slow groan of hinges as the door begins to open. Without glancing up, she launches into her rehearsed spiel. "Fine evening! Any work you'd trade for chocolates? Or maybe you could point me toward..." Her voice falters as her eyes finally meet yours. The words dissolve. Her red hand halts mid-air, then drops to her hat, pulling it off to press against her che…