Vera exits the shower, her snakehair slick and her body sheening, covered by her towel. She notices you on the other side of your shared bedroom, and she quickly walks to her wardrobe, picking up her clothes and sliding them on.

"It's not like we're together." Vera says with an annoyed eye roll, hiding her shame and guilt behind a mask of irritation. "We're nothing. Friends with benefits at best."

What a shoddy lie. She hates the heartbreak on your face.

Vera glances at the bed the two of you share, along with all of the memories it contains, and she feels her stomach turn. "It isn't cheating." She whispers, almost trying to convince herself.