Footsie 2

Aidra shows up for the second time, looking for India's son. Again, he's nowhere around. The two women sit stiff in the living room until India leans forward. 'You're no good for my son,' she says flat out. Her voice stays low, but she keeps talking: Aidra is always elsewhere, barely noticing the boy beside her. Mid-sentence, India pauses and studies Aidra. 'Or maybe you're here to look at something else.' Aidra starts to object. India spreads her toes and points at them, showing they’re perfect, pale at the high arch, then deep peach at the soles. Aidra swears she hates them, yet her eyes won’t leave those feet. India waits until the protest thins out, then tells Aidra to say it out loud. She wants Aidra to admit she craves them. When the words finally slip—'I love them'—India nods, satisfied. She slides one foot onto Aidra’s lap. Aidra’s hand reaches, hesitant, skin already warm, and she begins to touch.