Bette made a deliberate effort not to rush as she moved towards the doors leading to the patio. The sun now bathed the surroundings, its warmth tangible as she pulled the door open. ”Hey, Tina,” she greeted, hoping her voice sounded normal to Angie.

”Hi. How are you?” Tina asked naturally. She sounded cheerful.
  

”Fine, fine,” Bette replied, balancing the phone between her ear and shoulder as she walked across and leaned against the patio railing, her eyes stealing a quick glance inside at Angie engrossed in her homework.
  

”Good. Hey, listen—” Tina began, but Bette interjected.

”I am not fine, actually. Tina, have you lost your mind?” Frustration simmered beneath Bette’s words, threatening to transform. She rolled her shoulders back, trying to maintain her composure.
  

”Excuse me?” Tina responded incredulously.
  

Bette let out a huff, feeling exasperated. ”The photo, Tina!” she whispered loudly, her tone laced with disbelief. Tina’s soft cackle echoed down the line, leaving Bette bewildered.

”I’m not laughing, T,” she quietly exclaimed, though her actions contradicted her words. What Bette had let out was more of a surprised chuckle, an expression of sheer disbelief.

”You are laughing, Bette. I can hear you,” Tina’s voice carried a smile. Bette couldn’t help but feel conflicted. She wanted so badly to lean into this moment, to laugh with Tina. Why is she making this so difficult?

”Okay, yes, but not because I find it amusing. I just think you need to be a little bit more careful, that’s all,” Bette paused, hoping her words conveyed the weight of her concern. ”Actions like these can have consequences.”

Bette sensed the shift in their conversation as soon as the words left her lips. The lightness dissipated, replaced by an unspoken tension. She silently cursed herself, leaning against the railing, closing her eyes against the gentle touch of the sun. Her coffee sat forgotten on the cast iron table.
  

”I don’t need you to lecture me about consequences. I’m capable of making my own choices even if they don’t align with your expectations.” Tina’s tone bore a sharp edge.
  

”I was not lecturing you, I was just trying to point out -” Bette began.
  

Tina cut her off. ”We both know we’re walking a fine line but it’s not up to you to play the role of moral authority in this.” Bette’s free hand clenched and unclenched as she struggled to rein in her emotions.