[ dedicated to brittany for writing "z", one of the best short stories i ever read. it's a masterpiece that holds such a powerful message. kudos to the author for writing it! ]

Leila | Sarah | Manisha

❝Never ever buy Colgate toothpaste, Sarah. It's a scam!❞

❝What are you talking about?❞

❝It says 'whiteness guaranteed in fourteen days'. I've been using it for thirty days and guess what?❞

❝What?❞

❝I'M STILL ASIAN!❞

❝ . . . ❞

❝ . . . ❞

❝You're already white, Manisha. You're American.❞

❝Oh.❞

[ Leila narrows her eyes, wondering if she should call the mental asylum to throw Manisha into. ]

[ ❝Ignore her,❞  Sarah mouths to Leila, turning her head so Manisha won't notice. ❝She's on her shark week.❞ ]

❝Er, Miss Sarah, I have to leave early.❞

❝Wait, why?❞

❝I have . . . hrm . . . some important business to attend to.❞

❝OH-HO! YOU'RE GOING ON A DATE, AREN'T YOU?❞

❝What? No! It's just a little discussion about important matters. . . . ❞

❝Like moving in together and making babies — ahh, ahh, ahh — until you both die?❞

❝Manisha, please stop.❞

❝It's about him.❞

❝You mean that filthy fuckboy with the brain tumor?❞

[ Leila feels cracks trailing all over her heart. Sad poetry and angsty vibes begin dominating her thoughts. What an inconsiderate, heartless witch. ]

❝Miss Manisha, you did not just call him—❞

❝Yes, I just did.❞

❝Manisha, don't do this. Leila, you can leave.❞

❝T-thank you, Miss Sarah.❞

❝You don't have to come back. I will pack up everything and close the doors.❞

❝You will?❞

❝When my shift ends.❞

[ You see what I did there? If you get that reference, then I love you—just for this chapter. Just kidding hahaha love you guys! Be sure to vote, comment and share with your friends ♡ ]