Feral Sephrian

Tourist season at Lake Wallenpaupack means a break in the monotony of Alexi’s life. They’ve been secretly advertising the ice cream parlor they work at through the Foodspotting app, hoping that will bring even more customers. One such customer is Eli, a recent addition to the area with a bright and open disposition that Alexi is drawn to immediately. And since Eli is demisexual, Alexi welcomes him into their friend group of other queer twenty-somethings.<br><br>The more Alexi gets to know Eli, the more smitten they are. If only they didn’t have crippling self-esteem issues, problems at home with their dad, and enough emotional baggage to fill a freight train. They’re desperate to get out of that rut so they can have space in their heart for someone like Eli. After years of playing a passive role, making the first steps towards change might prove too much for them.

#IceCreamSundae

“I started working here before I was your age,” Alexi told her. “I had to help pay for my mom’s medical bills.”


“…Oh,” Ophelia said. She fiddled with the lid on the box of sampling spoons she was holding. “Is she okay?”


Alexi shook their head. “She died six years ago. Now I work here to support my dad and save up to maybe live on my own someday. I’ve been working here since 2002 and I still don’t have enough.”


Chapter 4