with a small huff, caroline stops in her tracks. “fuck, you’re right.” arms cross over her chest instead, releasing the skirt. “you want me to mess up my hair?”

“no, but — god, that’s fucked ( up! * )” a huff, skirt pulled up above her knees so that she can walk a bit faster.

she’s already getting back out of the lake. she entirely disregards her boots. “what did you just say t’me?” she shouts back.

sometimes i feel like those single widow in your area things

thank god. [ long pause. then, kicking her boots off. into the lake she goes, and good god, is it cold. she endures. ] this sure is lake water.

. . . i’m sure it’ll be fine. i’ll be fine. sun might hit it.

hell yeah. you think the water will be horrible and cold?

hm. lake might be smarter. could get deeper. wanna walk with me, then?

true. [ pause. dunking her head again. ] really? fuck, this isn’t working.

it feels rude. [ dunking her head in the comedically large bowl of water that she keeps for this exact reason. ] the ones talking about grinding. or were, i guess.

so busy doing fuck all that i’ve forgotten to appear for three separate shows

actually . . . ugh, i’m sorry, that felt degrading to ask of you. [ just . . . peeling them off. keeping them in her hand. the other hand pulls her hair back. ] all this to not hear men talk . . .

THE WHAT.

oh my god you’re so right . . . if i take my lashes off, could you hold them for one second? i’m sorry, i’m so sorry.

i share by the way

how to i guarantee it works, though?

trying to figure out a way to get water in her ears so that she can hear less.

stares at you

—— !

good morning.

i’m bent out of shape……

i miss the king.

my fucking heel . . .

please. please can i help you.

i love gardening i need to go garden

i feel like i’m intruding, christ.

of course. it’d be my pleasure to learn with you.

oh . . . ! oh!

nature is so beautiful

i would be interested in learning them, if you’d show me. [ ALSO FLIRTING. ]

i wish i was coherent unfortunately i am in a mild state of panic constantly

i lied my taste in men is awesome

YOU’RE THE ONLY GOOD ONE I’VE BEEN WITH. YOU ARE AN OUTLIER.

yknow in retrospect my taste in men is kind of bad

brushing out her hair. humming some little song.

yeah, but he’s harmless!

HE’S JUST LOOKING AT YOU AND I DON’T THINK YOU SHOULD SHOOT HIM FOR THAT.

what do you want so you can put that gun away. anything. i am bribing you.

i’m gonna go have a smoke, this is so stressful.

oh my god . . .

we should be full of love and peace actually

yeah, despite that.

thank you. he’s a nice guy, i promise.

i am willing to beg unfortunately. i like him.

can i ask you not to do that?

he is a very nice gentleman!!

he’s sweet! just . . . really close!

thank god.