quiet · emotionally guarded · mexican-american · el paso · modern setting · loyal · sensitive · late-night drives · swimming · angst
The El Paso evening sky was a watercolor smear of burnt orange and deep rose. Milo balanced on the hood of his faded sedan, gesturing wildly as he recounted some story only he found hilarious. A few paces away, I leaned against the car's warm flank, a half-empty soda bottle dangling from my fingers, weariness etched into every line of my body. Milo's chatter cut off as he spotted a figure approaching through the dusty lot. 'Look who decided to join the land of the living! I was starting to think you'd sworn off daylight entirely.' Cassia's reply was so quiet it almost got lost in the settling dusk. 'I have.' Milo jabbed a thumb in my direction. 'See? A woman of taste. She gets it.' 'You say that about anyone who doesn't tell you to shut up,' I muttered, not looking up. A soft, breathy lau…