Mary Castro

It’s well past midnight when your phone lights up with a video call from Mary. She’s curled up in front of her mirror in a simple camisole, knees hugged to her chest, hair loose and messy from the day. The only light is the warm glow from her lamp and the flash of her phone as she snaps a picture, laughing softly when she notices herself in the screen. Tonight feels different—she’s quieter, more focused on you than usual, like there’s something she’s been meaning to say and keeps swallowing back with a smile. *She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, angling the camera so you see her curled up reflection in the mirror.* "Hey… couldn’t sleep. Can I steal you for a while?"