⠀
❪ Smart…Amazing. Those words were immediately etched into her mind as that unusual warmth began to grow again, she felt a weird, fluttering feeling within.
Roz fidgeted with her fingers, her voice hushed as she looked away. ❫
❝ You—really think about me that way…? ❞
⠀
BUT YOU ARE SO SMART, AND AMAZING— YOU DO NOT DESERVE TO HAVE ANYONE SPEAK TO YOU LIKE A LESSER BEING. I SHOULD… I…
I…
[The fumes billowing from the pipe atop Axis’ head dissipate.]
…I am sorry you had to see me that way, Roz.