Status Updates From The Truth According to Ember

“I wish you had come to talk to me about it. I’m a grown man, and I don’t need protecting. We are supposed to be partners and face these things together. You never should have been put in a compromising situation. It makes me so angry that you went through all that alone, pushing me away. We could have kept our relationship on the down-low and figured out how to stop Kyle together.”

“Our people have long memories; no one means anything bad by it. I love you, but you have an avoidance problem.”

“I feel sorry for you, Kyle. Even with your fancy education, your money, and your connections, no one genuinely likes you. Even though I haven’t graduated from community college—yet—when I finally get to where I am headed, it’s going to mean something to everyone around me. I will be something. You will just fade away, blending into the sea of mediocre men who have come before you.”

“Stop picking on me and everything I do wrong. You just avoid everything. Sure, you can do math, but when life gets hard, you shut down and pretend it’s not happening.”

it was impossible to stay mad at Danuwoa. He was kind and happy with the most infectious smile that felt so safe.

“The next time you are ever scared or trapped anywhere, you yell, okay?”

“Your freak-outs are kinda cute.”

Through my lashes, I saw a hint of a smile. He was enjoying my discomfort. They all were. Traitors, the lot of them. It made me smile too.

That was the problem. I didn’t need help. I had managed everything for everyone on my own, and I couldn’t get used to someone helping me, or I’d never be able to shoulder these burdens on my own again when that someone inevitably left.

I felt tainted and unworthy of whatever this kindness was.

It took me years to grow a backbone, and that is why people call me the Wicked Witch. I have learned to say no and say it often.”

There was no one to help them if I ever broke down. I had to be everything for everyone, and as exhausting as that was, it also defined me. I wasn’t an artist. I wasn’t a great cook. But I was dependable, and I showed up for those I loved. That had to count for something in this life.

"i'm not some pathological liar" uh yes you are?

calling it that ember will either quit or get fired

i mean like...one of them could also quit and date openly bc ember is screwing up 24/7

danuwoa spicy spicy and for WHAT