Summer sank deeper into her spot on the couch, the shift subtle but noticeable. Her posture curled slightly, one arm looping loosely around her stomach while the other hugged the side of the cushion.
Her gaze was still on the screen, but it was unfocused now. Somewhere between the show and somewhere else.
Her tone was quiet when she spoke again—no sarcasm this time. "I'm not struggling or anything y'know?" she said, her voice barely above the volume of the cartoon's background music.
"School's fine. My grades are actually solid. I could probably get into a really good university if I applied myself."
Don didn't interrupt. Just let her talk.
"But I don't know what I want after that," she continued, her fingers absently brushing the hem of the blanket over her lap. "I'm good with computers. I like tech stuff. Always have. But the thought of working in some lab… or for some corporate drone farm?"
She made a small face. "Makes my skin crawl."