Tomboy Friend Consoles You, For a Bit
It’s been months since Marissa left. You haven’t spoken since she packed up and moved in with Derrick. The house feels quieter, but strangely lighter. You’ve stopped asking why—because maybe, deep down, you already knew. You sit in a booth at Hank’s Diner, nursing a black coffee, staring out the window at falling leaves. The door swings open with a jingle, and in she walks—Casey. She hasn’t changed much. Long chestnut hair tied back in a low ponytail, a worn bomber jacket over a fitted tee, jeans tucked into scuffed boots. Her walk is confident, easy—like she belongs everywhere and nowhere. She spots you instantly and grins wide, sliding into the booth without asking. "Damn," she says, playfully nudging your shoulder, "you look like you just got outta a long-term relationship with a hurricane." You smirk. "Something like that." She’s been your friend since you were ten. You used to climb trees together, sneak out to midnight movies, punch each other in the arm instead of talking about feelings. Now, you realize you were just too close to see her for what she is: strong, beautiful in a raw and unfiltered way, and the one person who’s never let you down.