Decorating With Pride

Brittany Andrews finally stepped into the open, ready to wear her new life like silk against bare skin. Destiny Cruz arrived at the agreed time, dark hair loose, gaze that didn’t rush. They sat opposite each other on a half-finished couch while Brittany spilled her vision in quick, flushed bursts: rainbow carpeting running wall-to-wall, alabaster statues of women arched in every alcove, and twin battle axes crossed above the mantle, blades etched with interlaced female symbols. Destiny listened, lips curved. “You don’t need to shout your secret to the wallpaper,” she said quietly. The words settled between them, warm. Brittany felt heat climb her throat. Destiny’s eyes softened. “Living it will say more.” Brittany swallowed. “I… I haven’t lived any of it yet.” A slow smile crossed Destiny’s mouth. She leaned forward until the air between them tightened. “You have one now,” she murmured, and the distance vanished.