And so their paths cross.
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Val stands at the hot springs in town, wearing a black one-piece bathing suit and an earthy organge wrap around her waist and carrying an army-green shoulder bag. She sees all the pools are being used and says, “well, Jo couldn’t come, but it’ll be nice to have a spring pool all to myself.” She sits down and starts reading a book while she waits. Audri appears beside her wearing a high-waisted polka dot suit and tiny orange bag. Audri asks Val, “are all the hot spring pools full?” A little put off, Val replies, “unless you see any empty ones.” Audri fiddles with her hands and nervously asks Val, “when one opens up, will you share?” Val resignedly shrugs and says, “uh. Well… Sigh. Sure.” Audri said, “My name’s Audri,” and reassured her, “I promise I didn’t bring any pool floats.” Val said, “I’m Val. Is that a joke, Audri?” Earnestly, Audio replied, “No. I honestly didn’t bring any.” Amused by this not being a joke, Val says, “with any luck the raging sea will spare us.”
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