[maria had already met other people here and they had been friendly. it had been a big surprise honestly and she was still taken aback by the fact she could talk to others. they could see her. seemingly enjoy her presence? it was novel. not something she thought she would ever experience.

and if she told the truth about anything about herself, would that still be true? or would they think she was something bizarre. something to stay away from because maria didn't really know that answer herself.]

Won't it get tiring being around an old lady like me?

[she's still joking and doesn't seem to mean it. but she is an adult and they're supposed to be uncool to teenagers. so the story goes.

though as she's touching this damn tomato, it keeps growing and she sighs, putting it down.]

Is this a test of patience because mine is being tested alright. You think a salad can just be lettuce and whatever you managed to pry apart?