go easy on me

THE BASICS

Name: Cora Mae Clark.

Gender: cis Female, She/Her.

Age: Twenty-Nine.

Birthday: July 30th, 1992.

ZodiacSign: Leo.

Location: Summit Lake, Providence Peak, Colorado.

Birthplace: New York City, New York.

Orientation: Pansexual.

Viv pulled a face and jumped on the bed bouncing Cora and the endless costumes, “One I’m hurtless.” She lied with an easy smile flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Second. That is such a surface-level take on Wendy and Tinkerbell.” Viv clutched her hand over her heart, “She was so tiny there was only room for one emotion at a time. Wendy was the first girl to ever show up- she could have been dangerous for Peter and the Boys.” She said, “Besides, I’m thinking more like the book Tiger Lily.” She said, picking up a mermaid get she had laid out, “I’m gonna be a mermaid.” She said decidedly, “I think it suits me” She said, shaking it out before coming back to her bed. Hovering over Cora, Viv smiled, “Get dressed, princess.”

.

The bounce of the sea of endless costumes she ended up buried in caused an amused grin to pull on her lips, wanting nothing more than to bury herself in the warm bundle of clothes and blankets and never move from that spot. Unfortunately, it was clear that her friend had other plans. “If you think about Peter Pan on an under the surface level, things start to get real questionable about it,” Cora pointed out, the different theories on the children’s cartoon well-known in the rumor mill. “I’ve always thought you embodied the ocean, mermaid is fitting,” She complimented, approving of the costume Viv held up, which she knew would look absolutely amazing on the other. “Never!” A gasp fell from her lips as she pulled the blankets further toward her chin, but eventually she threw her legs off of the bed and took the blankets wrapped around her body with her, dumping half of the costumes onto the floor in the process. “Fine, fine. I’m only going tonight because you’re pretty much making me and I hate to see you frown.”

“I haven’t yet dragged a poor animal into my life but I do volunteer at the pet shelter,” Hank said with an easy laugh. He wanted to have a pet, to make up for all those years he couldn’t because of his mom’s allergies, but the anxiety that he’d harm the animal in some accidental way was still too strong. Though he could benefit greatly from a service dog. 

Cancelling the car, which was surely the driver’s intent since they should have been here ten minutes ago, Hank pocketed his phone. Though he should have been panicking at the idea of having unexpected guests, there was an almost excitement sitting in the air. “It is always the quiet ones isn’t it?” he joked awkwardly. Cringing immediately. “I don’t want to murder anyone, least of all you. But not other people either. I promise. I don’t think I have it in me but, well, okay. I’m actually not sure what to say. What do non-murders say in this situation? Would you like to text a friend the address before we leave? I’m sorry. That was really presumptuous of me, we do not have to go inside. Why don’t I just get another car and maybe we could hang out someplace safe and public in the near future?” 

.

She was comforted to hear he volunteered at an animal shelter — cuddling cute, fluffy animals looking for a home seemed to be the opposite of what a murderer would do, right? It felt like a green flag to her, at least, if the sweaters hadn’t already suggested he wasn’t a horrible person. “See, you seem like a completely sane person. Nothing to worry about.” Her hand waved toward him as she held the pile of his stuff with the other. Maybe she’d end up on the news tomorrow, body never to be found, or maybe she’d just end up with a new friend... it was hard to tell, but it wasn’t like this was the weirdest situation she’d ever put herself in and she liked to think that after spending a decade and a half growing up in New York City, she had some kind of good judgement when it came to strangers. “I was going to say cute and charming,” Cora offered when he referenced himself as quiet. Sure, his attitude seemed mild, but he’d given a good amount of conversation during the two times they’d met, so she wouldn’t quite describe him as quiet. “I don’t really think you’re going to murder me,” an amused chuckle slipped from her lips before she picked up his stuff and started down the sidewalk. “C’mon, my car’s this way.”

“What can I say,” Dilan smiled at the other with her tease. “you know, I’d never say no to planning your wedding,” though she knew Cora’s thoughts on that and she knew that would never happen. “I love it on you,” she grinned at Cora, “any takers yet?” She said with a raise of her brows, wiggling them with the thought. “Oh, yes, absolutely,” Dilan nodded her head, “that one has looked absolutely delicious.” She took the woman by her arm, leading her toward the drinks. “Tell me, how have you been? i’ve missed seeing you.” 

.

“Only in your dreams,” She couldn’t help but tease. There was a point in her life, when she was younger, that having a wedding seemed like a fairytale, something she couldn’t wait to experience. The fancy dress, the expensive decor, the elegant food, it was all very fitting to her lifestyle, but as she grew she realized she didn’t need a wedding to experience that lifestyle and she didn’t need to commit to one person for the rest of her life and more importantly, that love didn’t really exist at all. “A few gross men have made a comment or two, but not really my type,” Cora chuckled softly as she allowed the other to take her arm and lead them to the bar. She was definitely craving something to wash away the icky feeling of the men she spoke to. “Halloween brings out all of the weirdos.” The joke was followed with a gentle grin toward the other. “I’ve been okay. Living with Vivienne currently,” Cora made note of her best friend, though failed to mentioned just how intolerable it was living with someone you had feelings for. “I love her to death, but I need to get out of the house more. What are you plans this week? Anything I can tag along with? I can be like, an assistant wedding planner.”

“Oh yeah and what makes me his pet parasite Cora, what makes me his lesser half Cora?” He said shrugging his shoulders. Not like he was the one begging for a friendship, he loved his best friend, and he’d do anything for him just like his best friend would do anything for him. But he’s walked away quite a few times in that friendship when things took a turn. But he wasn’t about to allow Cora to speak to him as if he was less of a human, as if he was beneath her or her brother. “I love your brother, he’s my best friend, he’s been there for me in some of my hardest times, however I don’t NEED him to thrive Cora.” He said shaking his head, she knew that everything she said to him got to him. Because he cared about her, maybe more than he ever should, however they would never be okay or be friends because he will always feel betrayed by her, when he looks at her and speaks to her he feels pain and anger towards her most of the time. Nodding his head, he stepped up to the counter ordering his drink, and motioning her forward to order hers, before paying. The two of them shared something that would tie them together for the rest of their lives, which is why regardless of how she acts or what she said he’d always be there for her and a small part of him would always care. 

.

Cora rolled her eyes in a motion that felt like they were going to pop right out of her sockets and roll down the street, hopefully to be run over so she could get the image of Marcus out of her mind once and for all. “If you love my brother, should’ve had sex with him, then we wouldn’t be in this situation, would we?” Despite the enjoyment she usually got out of trading insults with people, she lacked that certain type of satisfaction when it came to Marcus. Maybe it was because he constantly looked like a kicked puppy, maybe it was because in the past those biting retorts only led them to a janitor’s closet or a bedroom door, or maybe it was because they shared a piece of themselves with each other that would always be there, walking and talking in the world, a whole human they’d somehow managed to produce. “But whatever, it’s not like we can change what happened.” And so she brushed it off, stepping forward to order her drink, a large pumpkin spiced latte with oat milk. “Have you... talked to the new girl lately?” Cora questioned cautiously as she waited on their drinks, figuring if she had to make conversation with him, it might as well be about a topic she was curious about but too self-involved to ever ask herself. “Seems like a big adjustment.”

It was odd not to feel on edge, ready to defend his every word, to have a comfortable conversation with someone. It was something Hank’s days were missing and to think, all it took was approaching a total stranger and asking for help. An actual nightmare. 

With a breath of a laugh, Hank smiled at her. “I don’t think anyone needs to take the path I did to get here.” Pressing his lips together tight, Hank shook his head. There was something about learning about rock bottom that made caring about fashion real hard but it wasn’t the sort of advice to give to others. Honestly, Hank hadn’t entertained a motorized solution. Not since those first few days out of the hospital trying not to frustrate his parents as he tried to find the new rhythm to walking. “I wanted to be like that cartoon guy from the movie with the balloons…Up! Really cranky, reluctant pet owner, holding on the past. I mean, real role model and it’s the walker that sells it.” Tilting his head down, Hank tried to hide the smile he gave all that. 

Now that his hands were free, Hank got his phone out and checked on the Uber situation. Finding the car was nowhere close, it seemed to have made no progress. “Okay,” he said reluctantly, looking up from the screen. “But you have to come in for tea and help me eat some of these things I definitely don’t need to be eating.” 

.

She knew of the movie he was talking about. How could she forget it when she cried for a quarter of the movie every time she dared to watch it. “Please tell me you’re a reluctant owner of a thoughtless Golden Retriever who just happened upon your doorstep? Because honestly, I feel like that’s a Halloween costume in the making. Can it be anymore perfect?” The vibe was oddly fitting, but only because the cranky old man became someone the audience actually grew to love in the end, a feeling she also had when it came to Hank. The man that stood in front of her was endearing, a fresh breath when it came to the crowd she’d always hung out with, both in school and at the moment. It felt... nice. “Really?” Cora’s smile grew hopefully, letting a small squeal of excitement passed her lips when he agreed to let her help out. If nothing else, it gave her a sense of purpose, at least for the day, but she hoped that maybe it would also give her a new friend too. “Tea and snacks, I can’t say no to that. Just as long as you promise this isn’t where you murder me.”

starter for @coraxclark​ location: spooktacular soiree 

“If it isn’t one of my favorite people in Providence Peak,” she said, approaching Cora with a smile. “I am in need of a drink, do you need a drink?” The brunette was coming off of a double wedding weekend and the Spooktacular Soiree was exactly what she needed to take the edge of but first, that included grabbing a drink. “Consider it my treat, too,” she said as she reached up, adjusting the hat on her costume. 

.

“You sure know greet a girl,” Cora teased, eyeing the woman approaching her. “Here I thought I’d never see you again with all of those weddings stealing you away. Almost thought I’d have to get married just to spend some quality time with my bestie.” Needing to have a wedding just to see Dilan was a horrifying thought, but spending time with her friend in a Halloween costume was almost just as bad. She gestured to her Sugar Babies candy costume, complete with a sign that read ‘Sugar Daddy Wanted’. “What do you think?” Cora questioned with an amused grin, hoping her friend would get a laugh out of the irony. “Also, drinks? Yes please. I’m dying to try the Jekyll and Gin cocktail.”

It took everything in Marcus not to bite back, he wasn’t a dick but she made it hard to be nice. “Hmm, yeah” he said shrugging his shoulder. “And why not Cora?” He said shrugging his shoulders, just cause they weren’t friends doesn’t mean he didn’t somewhat care “his pet parasite? His that what you think I am? “He said rolling his eyes at her, exactly the reason as to why he hated conversations with her because they could never just be civil towards each other. “Ask him yourself” he said shrugging his shoulder, as the line moved forward. “If you don’t mind I’d like to pay for your drink” he said looking at her, and then looking at the floor. 

.

“Think you are?” Cora chuckled and shook her head, knowing that the man standing in front of her and her brother had been friends for as long as they’d been living in Providence, thick as thieves since the moment she and Carter stepped into school. It was what had drawn her to Marcus in the first place, the danger of wanting something she knew she could never have. “Not think, know. But you don’t have to feel bad about being my brother’s lesser half, I’m sure he loves you either way.” Sometimes she felt bad for holding such animosity toward the other, in the short moments when she could see the face of their son peaking through Marcus’ in the form of a dimpled smile or the way his ears moved when he spoke or the kindness he often extended, but they’d never be on good terms with each other, she came to accept that long ago. His offer to pay for her drink almost had her arguing stubbornly, though remembering she was running low on funds and currently jobless had her backtracking. “Sure, if that’s what makes you feel like a better person. Go ahead.”

“Of course not, that would be a terrible hiding place,” he deadpanned. “We use the wilderness. It’s the reason we chose Colorado.” Rising to his feet, Nathan swallowed down one last shot and grinned, heading for the door. It was a good thing the bar was cleared out. Cora’s challenge was an invitation to a game he couldn’t pass up, not when it was dangled in his face so freely, and while Nathan generally had ample self control (especially regarding women), they were already cutting loose. They both deserved some fun. He unlocked the door and let it swing open into the dark. “Come on then, if you’re so keen on finding out all my secrets.”

.

Cora chuckled softly, the grin never leaving her lips as she followed the man to the back of the bar. “I suppose it depends on how good you are at hiding thing,” She pointed out, though she knew the other was probably plenty good at hiding anything he wanted to. There wasn’t much she knew about him, but she could sense that he held just as many secrets as her, if not more. The idea of figuring out those secrets caught her interest and held it as opened the door in front of them. Her gaze turned to him, caught up in the challenge of the moment as she stepped forward, closing whatever distance was left between them in the small frame of the door. “Me go first? Over my dead body,” She told him, teasingly, voice barely above a whisper. “But I guess that’s fitting if it is where the bodies are hidden.”

VIV & CORA’S PLACE 

@coraxclark​

Holding up her costume option, Viv pouts and turns to Cora with an exaggerated pout. “I can’t decide what to go as.” She holds up a dress, “Princess Buttercup or-” She pauses and holds up another dress, “Zelda.” Viv bounds over a smile and tossing the dresses to the side, “Or can I convince you to go as Daphne and Velma or what do you think?” Viv raises a brow, “A gal pal couples costume would make tonight ten times better. Wendy and Tinkerbell? The options are endless.”

.

Cora lifts her head from Viv’s bed if only to acknowledge the endless costume options that the other presented her with. She raised her eyebrow, giving the woman standing in front of her a judgmental look before immediately cracking a smile. “I’ve said it once and I’ll probably say it a million times more, you have way too many costumes for it to be healthy. Who hurt you, babe?” The answer to that question, as she already knew, was as endless as the costume options placed in front of her. Reluctantly, she rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin onto the palm of her hand as she gazed up at Vivienne. “Since when were Wendy and Tinkerbell a couple? I always thought Tinkerbell wanted to kick her ass because they were both into the same guy.”

Where: Deja Brew  Who: @coraxclark​

Marcus was standing in line waiting to place an order for his coffee when he noticed the person standing in front of him was none other than Cora Clark. Normally that wouldn’t bother in, because their interactions were whatever to him, not anything memorable to say the least. But he just lost a bet with his cousin because the Yankees got slammed by the Astros, something he didn’t think was going to actually happen. The reason this bet was going to be tough was because his conversations with Cora ended one of two ways someone hurling insults, or an argument that just turned awkward. He looked down at the ground, and then back up “okay, this is going to be hard but I lost a bet with my cousin where he basically told me to be nice to everyone I come across.” For the most part Marcus was a nice guy, he didn’t really have a mean bone in his body but when it came to Cora it would come out and afterwards anyone that crossed his path had to deal with his crap attitude. “So let’s try this out, how are you today Cora?” Marcus said as the fakest smile came across his face. 

.

The last person Cora wanted to stumble across so early in the morning ended up standing behind her while she waited in line to order her coffee and despite not having said a word to the man, she groaned in annoyance when he decided to speak up anyway. Her brow furrowed and an amused grin curved on her lips as she turned her attention toward him. “Wait, is this you actually admitting you’re a dick the rest of the time?” Because who would have to make a bet to be nice to everyone if they were already a nice person, right? Didn’t seem like much of a bet to her. “Let’s be real here, Marcus, you don’t care how I’m doing today. How’s my brother doing, though? Still attached at the hip or has he finally decided to get rid of his little pet parasite?”

Hank’s soft smile grew and lit up his face as she went from laughing, acknowledging the joke, the saying she was impressed. It was a perfect response and did a lot to put Hank at ease. The compliment didn’t hurt any though Hank wanted so bad to fight that he looked fantastic. Compliments were hard to accept. “That’s what I need more of in my life; people impressed by knitwear. Though that’d likely be too much attention for me.” 

She continued on and Hank nodded. He hadn’t done anything, it wasn’t THAT sort of meeting a guy. Attempts to make a friend that fell through. Nothing strange. “There’s nothing wrong with embracing the grandparents life style. I mean, I’m wearing sweaters to clubs, I have very strong opinions about the price of fruit, and just the other day I said I didn’t understand what kids these days call music. Just…embrace it.” Hank paused and looked off for a beat. “I was going to make a joke about the next step being for me to get a walker but I’ve already got a cane that sees too much use so I’m not sure I want to push that particular cliche any further.” His shoulders shook with a silent laugh, feeling just a little too comfortable in the conversation. 

“You absolutely do not need to drive me anywhere. You’ve already helped enough. I’ve derailed your day enough. It’s far too sweet of you to even offer.” 

.

“Honestly, I just need you to share your tips with me,” Cora inquired, a smile widening on her joyful expression, the exchange with the other possibly the best thing to have happened to her that week. Definitely the most exciting, if anything. After leaving her usual life in the rearview mirror and her schedule consisting of partyless, jobless days she spent dodging calls from her mother tempting her with interviews and higher education applications, she welcomed a conversation with a virtual stranger on the streets about the flair that knitwear brought to clubs wholeheartedly. “If it makes you feel better, we can keep any advice you give solely between us. Consider it a benefit of our newfound friendship.” A chuckle trickled from her throat as she leaned against the bench she’d placed his stuff on. “What you need is one of those fun motorized scooters. You could go around town, blast your music. Way more fun than a walker with some tennis balls.” Her nose crinkled teasingly. “If I’m being honest, this was the highlight of my day. I’m kind of between jobs right now, so I don’t have much going on anyway. If you want the ride, you can think of it as a benefit to me. But no pressure, we can totally figure out your Uber situation instead.”

Hank intentionally softened his look, trying his best to pretend to be hurt. “Who’s to say that sweater wasn’t meant to impress?” Of course, it was meant to impress. Carefully picked out to help Hank look his best but to not rob him of comfort either. He struggled enough as it was, being uncomfortable wasn’t an option. 

Not expecting her to carry things or follow him, Hank felt a bit bad. He’d had to buy her a coffee or something as a thanks. “Oh, I was…very drunk that night. I truthfully don’t remember anything. I met a guy there, we hung out once or twice but sober me just isn’t the same, anyway. It’s all to say I actually don’t remember meeting him really and I drank his drinks? The story is hazy, at best. I think it was fun? Did you have fun?” Hank was painfully aware he was rambling but between the awkwardness of having to ask for help and the uncomfortable lack of recognition, he was struggling. “The nearest? Uh, over there. I have an Uber coming. Or it went already, I’m not great at what cars are, but I shouldn’t stray too far.” 

.

A soft chuckle fell from Cora’s lips and drifted off somewhere into the streets in front of them. The man was so different than any of her friends, but she found herself drawn to his quirky softness. A sweater in a club? Truly the aesthetic she aspired to be but didn’t have the guts to pull off. She admired the other more so than anything and found herself interested in the banter he had to offer. “Oh, it definitely impressed,” She responded, eyebrow raised in his direction. “I remembered you, so clearly it had an everlasting impression and looked fantastic honestly.” Cora wasn’t surprised he’d managed to snag someone that night and she gave a huff of impressed air as she took his excess items to the nearest bench and set them carefully there. “As long as you were safe, having fun is all that matters.” Guys and drinking and clubs were always a combination that could be fun, but dangerous in the wrong light. “I kind of went home early that night, so I have much more fun when I was able to slip into pajamas and a big blanket and call it a night. Am I turning into a grandma? Oh god, I think I am.” Her eyes widened, a playful sparkle in them. “Hey, do you need a ride? I’m parked right over there, I can totally get you where you need to go.”

Marcus wasn’t the person who got social cues right away, ever. Maybe it was how he was raised, who knows but he was always the kid who was never sure if people were being serious or now. Shaking his head, waving his hand in front of her. “Kay” he said already over the conversation with Cora, hoping A someone came over to interrupt this conversation or B for the ground to open up into a hole and suck one of the two into it. Marcus looked down at his drink, knowing there wasn’t enough alcohol in the world to get through this. “The idiot to attend with me? I could say the same about you Cora.” 

.

She may have been harsh with the question and quite possibly the tone, though there was very little actual effort in being mean behind it, but their past hadn’t been anything but rocky and it wasn’t a secret that they’d bickered (albeit playfully) more often than not in high school. In fact, it was probably why she’d ended up sleeping with him to begin with. Cora loved a good challenge and Marcus had been the most challenging of them all. Though their disagreement over their son and his adoption moved their dislike from playful to just... plain old dislike. Maybe she should have given him the change to be the pathetic teen dad he wanted to be, but that meant the door was always open for her to be a mom and she had wanted to get rid of that option all together. “Here alone, actually,” She admitted with a shrug. “Single, for now.”

In truth, usually when Nathan arrived to an event with a date it was for business reasons. Sealing a deal was easier when you could convince a person you were their friend, somebody to dance and share a drink with. There was only one woman in recent history that had caught his attention enough that he thought maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to arrived with company, but Vivienne Fonseca was an untainted soul and he had just enough decency left within him not to try and drag her into his world. 

Cora was a different story. Eyebrow mirroring hers, he leaned forward. “Only a fool would believe a single word you say.” She was good company, even if she was a liar. He inclined his head in agreement, then nodded to the door that led to the supply room. “Perhaps you’re right though. We need more drinks to occupy that mouth of yours. Want to help me find a fresh bottle in the back?” 

.

Her grin widened, an amused sparkle in her eye. “I’ve made fools out of smarter men than you.” She’d learned the power of words at a young age and quickly found herself skilled with a quick tongue (in many ways) and a charming smile, one that would make it easy to wrap almost any man around her pinky. Nathan was different, a tougher nut to crack, one she almost didn’t want to for the sake of having somewhat worthy competition. She could sense he was similar to her with his charm and his words performing a dance that would make anyone else dizzy trying to decipher. It was a dance she enjoyed, a challenge she couldn’t resist. “You know, I’ve always wondered what it looks like back there. Seems... secretive. I bet it’s where you hide all of the bodies, hm?”

“Lack of time,” he said smoothly, leaning back in his chair with a smug look. He wasn’t here to be psychoanalysed—deflection was one of his most polished skills. “And patience.” Then there was the deep, ever-present sense of distrust that tainted the attention others showed him, always stopping him short, but he wasn’t about to express that openly. He had never understood the desire to let somebody have the power to hurt you. Why on earth were people so desperate to hand themselves over to others? It’s was a fool’s game. “This isn’t about me, though. If you’re so brave why’ve you consumed your weight in tasters?”

.

“Last time I checked you don’t need time or patience to ask a pretty little thing to hang off your arm for an event,” Cora pointed out, a sloppy grin curved on her lips, curiosity causing her to lean forward, elbow pressed against the table they were sitting at as her fingers danced around the rim of her empty glass craving to be filled with more alcohol, even though her brain told her to stop before she made any more questionable decisions. “Oh, this is all about you. My book has been opened far more than yours and it’s time to turn the tables, Mr. Crane, and if you want to stop talking about you, I guess you’ll have to shut me up” Eyebrow piqued in interest, a silent challenge directed at the man. “Would you believe me if I say I just enjoy a good time?”

Viv wanted to throw herself into a black hole. Maybe that empty ache inside of her would yawn wide and pull her inward until there was nothing left for Cora or anyone else to bare witness to. She hated this part of her grief, the part when it snuck up on her and made a show of every emotion she battled with on a regular basis. The part where concern shadowed their faces and questions came, questions and condolences and Viv didn’t know what to do with any of it- ever. Vivienne’s eyes swept over Cora’s face, Theo’s face flashed instantly to the front of her mind quickly followed by another man whose company she enjoyed, Nathan Crane. The revelation was almost enough to bottom her out if she wasn’t already so raw with grief. Viv shook her head, “God no. I would not cry over a man.” She hoped the waiver in her voice didn’t make her less believable even despite the fact that Viv most absolutely did cry over men. She felt she cried over everything these days. It was a painful thing to feel so raw all the time, so she did her best to cover the ache, to distract and fill the emptiness with meaningless moments that felt so big that for a while she could forget how terribly empty she was. Viv had nothing to give, nothing that made her worth keeping and she was so terribly distraught over the fact that it was only a matter of time before everyone figured out she was a fraud. Viv shook her head a steady stream of tears falling quickly down her cheeks. “It’s me. It’s all me.” She admitted on a hiccup of emotion. “I feel ridiculous I shouldn’t have slipped like that.” She said and despite the front of indifference to her emotions Viv leaned over resting her head against Cora’s shoulder. “I feel like I’m one step away from ruining everything I care about.” Again.

.

Cora let a disappointed breath fall from her lips. Boy problems, easy fix. The fact that this wasn’t an easy fix terrified her. She wasn’t so good at fixing problems that weren’t easily fixable. Always someone who would rather take action and get rid of the problem than actually facing it in any emotional capacity, she’d much rather handle her friends’ problems in the physical sense than ever have to watch them be emotional tortured by them. “Okay... so not boy problems. I’m guessing not something I can easily make go away with connections then.” Her hand fell to the other’s back, gently rubbing soothing circles against her shoulder. “You know I’d easily make someone disappear for you though, right babe? Like the second they break your heart? Gone.” The things she would be willing to do for her best friend specifically were simply astronomical. “Okay, hey,” Cora finally tried to put a stop to the other’s self-blame, turning her body to face the woman beside her, moving to cup her face between the palms of her hands. “You’re not one step away from ruining anything and I’m never going to let you talk about yourself like that. Alright? I’m also not going to make you talk about what’s really bothering you, but I want you to know that whatever it is, it isn’t on you.”