Salmonella

Side Story - Genesis

🫧Genesis🫧

Krill ignores me the whole way home and even after we get back, arms folded and looking very pointedly at me.

"What?" I surrender.

"Stop teasing her."

"I..." No point in arguing when he's right. I clutch my face. "I'm a dick. Why'd I do that? I was just messing around, I didn't mean anything. She knows that."

He shakes his head slowly. "What's a joke to one mer is meaningful to another. You could be playing, but she might take what you do seriously. You overestimate her self-esteem. Think about it. Was that the face of someone who found it funny? No. That was the face of someone extremely uncomfortable." I look away. "You just met each other, Gen. Don't think I'm lecturing you or anything, but I'm not going to just sit back and let you fuck this up. You're pushing the boundaries a bit, don't you think? You're not besties. Maybe wait until the two of you are... a little closer, you know?"

Ouch. It stings, but at least I can always count on Krill to give me the harsh truth. And for that I'm grateful.

"I know," I sigh, clutching my face. How could I be so stupid? I just met Ella and already I've fucked up my chances of being friends with her. I get way too excited whenever I make a new friend and end up acting impulsively, friendlier than you're supposed to and scaring them off.

"C'mere." Krill opens his arms and I let myself plop into his lap, my body turning to jelly and head falling weakly on his shoulder. He pats my head soothingly.

"I'm a howible fwend," I mumble, voice muffled against his shirt.

"What?" he says softly.

"I'M A HORRIBLE FRIEND."

My love gives me a knowing smile, calm as always. "Just have a conversation and explain to her. You'll be fine."

I sniffle. "Thanks Kwill."

He gives my forehead a little peck. "Of course Gen-Gen."