Theres Not Much Detail In This First Draft Thing - Tumblr Posts

cryptid falls excerpt (kinda. it’s more the barebones of a future conversation) cause i’ve been writing :D

“You don’t have to say anything. But I’m going to say things. Because I want the illusion of a conversation right now.”

The line stays silent.

“Have you ever gone to America? I know Basira and Andre used to live there but I’ve realised I’ve never asked you.”

I think I hear her inhale sharply. I don’t hear her exhale.

“I don't really know anything about the country. Just that people find fresh starts there.” I pause and take a breath. My voice is quieter than I want it to be. “In theory, at least. I reckon they guess life stories just from the accents.”

There’s shuffling on the other end and the sound of a light switch.

“I think—”

“Phone calls cost more overseas.”

Her voice is monotone and quiet. I take a minute to let the words sink in before saying, “I know.”

“How’s Nikolai?”

“Reckless. And drunk at the moment.”

“Sounds unpleasant.”

“It is.”

“Do you even like him, Nadia?”

I think about it for a moment. Nikolai is loud, extroverted, and has too many friends for me to keep track of. He makes his parents pay for a school he doesn’t even attend and ignores their calls. His apartment is never quiet. His words are charming one minute and annoying the next. He’s the opposite of me and it doesn’t work between us. I don’t think like him at all.

“No,” I whisper. “No, I don’t think I do.”

“Then why America?”

“England makes me nauseous.”

“It didn’t used to.”

“Well it does now.”