“Sometimes I get so high
Falling is the only out I see
And I don’t wanna take you down with me”
“Ember is looking for you,” Hal said.
“Ember shmeber,” Mango replied, scrunching her nose indignantly. “If he wants me to be home at night, he has to stop bringing blue boy over. The berry is a screamer Hal. He does so in French. My poor virgin ears can’t handle it.”
Provence laughed behind her. “Virgin ears? That’s a good one Mango. You’re one of the dirtiest berries I have ever met.”
“You know what?” Mango started then shook her head, “Tea. But I’m still not leaving.”
Hal sighed, “What do you plan to do? Sleep here?”
Mango looked over at the discarded mattress in the corner behind her. “I could just sleep here.”
“Mango,” Hal replied, his face contorted in disgust, the mattress had faded to a shade of brown-grey that made him not only wonder how it had been there but also fear for what had been done on it. “Do you want the plague? Because I’m pretty sure that’s how you get the plague.”
“Fine, I’ll go home, but if they’re doing it when I get there, I’m calling you so you can suffer with me.” She forced herself up from Provence’s lap, sticking her tongue out at Hal as she passed him by.Â
Hal crouched down next to Provence, giving her a concerned smile. “Do you think you can stand?” he asked.


