>>18616165>[Sola is a bundle of nerves and bright red cheeks as Carmody talks about her b-- her, uh, appearance. Obviously Carmody looks different, but to hear these things about herself, Sola can’t help but smile. Blushing cheeks and an awkward laugh, Sola silently acknowledges what Carmody has said: a change in attitude could be the thing that she needs. Not just to make people notice her, but to give herself the confidence boost she needs.]“You know, I think you might be onto something. I just have to... I just have to get through Karna first! And then, yeah, I could use some new digs. Maybe something that goes with this. Maybe.”
>[Sola gestures to her jacket once more. It means the world to her, but... there are times she wonders if ‘the yellow jacket’ is holding her back more than she thinks. It’s warm, and in the right light is sure looks stylish, but it’s become a symbol by this point. A symbol of disappointment, maybe; of ‘that girl in the hospital’; of dreams unlived. Sola’s mind flashes once to Nika, and her return those months ago. It has become a symbol of failure.]“Or maybe not. Maybe it’s time I try a new look? I know all the marketing photos have me in this, so I’ll save it for my matches and stuff. But fashion has never really been my strong point. I’ll follow your advice when it comes to clothes.”
. . .
“Hey, Carmody? Thank you. I’ve been in something of a low place lately, worrying about the way people see me or the things I say coming across poorly. Even before this stuff with Mare and Karna. But you’ve really helped me with that -- what do they say in Goon Japan? ‘Writing spirit’? Well you’ve revitalised my writing spirit. I ramble a lot, and I repeat myself even more, but... just keep being Carmody. Because you’re making me feel some kind of way for the first time in a long time.”
