Maybe not.

People might pass by, yeah. I'm not from here, so I'm not sure how populated this spot is. And I don't want to ask any questions that might raise suspicion that we're working on a lab for illegal substances. Even if.. uh. I guess that's kind of the case?

A barn up in the Catskills. It's still occupied. I'm in talks with the owner to see when he plans to move out the current tenants for reno.

Photo: A plate of two ham and swiss sandwiches on a faux veneer tabletop. The sandwiches contain thick slices of tomato, mayo and lettuce. An orange pen rests behind the plate. A control knob peeks behind the table on a metal appliance or instrument.

V and I are chatting about possible locations. I think I found us a place out of the way. It's a drive, so we'll have to set aside time to go look in person.

Could always start going at night.

What would I do without him? I'm so completely in love.

Yeah. It's such a relief, too. I don't want to have to choose between sharing what makes me happy and keeping Mom happy. You mean so much to me, that it's already been hard not letting it slip, hah.

ART!: A drawing of Jayce and Ximena in a formal Christmas family portrait. The colors altogether are bland - the backdrop is pale and cream, and Jayce and Ximena wear cream and Talis red vests and button-up shirts with matching pale-gold dress ties. They both wear black on their lower halves. Ximena's smile is weak, and she holds onto Jayce's clasped hands. Jayce's gaze is slightly off-center, a tense frown on his face.

Looking through my camera roll and i found our Christmas portrait. That was the day I announced to Mom that I was moving. I didn't care at the time; both of us look so unhappy. This isn't what I wanted. I want Mom to be proud of me. I want her to embrace who I am. And I want her to love Viktor, too.

:(

What if I like you without pants?

I keep kissing Viktor while he's trying to get dressed. I think he's starting to lose patience with me.

I'll try to be persuasive.

She'll want to facetime every time we cook every night.

It's perfect. I got up to make some water during the night and had to sneak some chicken.

Screenshot of text messages. The top message is cropped off: Mom: Caitlyn still? I'm glad you have such a good friend. Jayce: Please stop sounding shocked when someone talks to me lol Jayce: Ok, calling now Jayce, yesterday 7:50 PM: [Photo of empadao de frango cremoso] Mom: You are lying! That is not his first try. Did you buy this? Jayce: I told you mom hes good at everything he does Mom: You told me he just started baking! The remaining messages are off screen.

I did, but..

Hah. Yeah, right. You don't know my mom. This is all Viktor's doing. If it had been anybody else, they wouldn't have progressed this far this quickly.

photo of a slice of empadao on a white plate

sneaking another piece of viktor's pie ❤️

It's an improvement, for sure.

@bioherald.bsky.social What did you say to her?

Incoming text message at 10:59 AM that reads: When is sweet Viktor going to facetime me again?

Mom just texted...

Got him.

❤️

Trade you a spoonful for a kiss? 🙏

This is a trick question.

You better have saved some for me. You know I like chocolate.

Muscular man laying in bed, looking sleepily into the camera

Woke up alone; first thing I did was check if Viktor texted. Wonder if he knows I can read the timeline just like anyone else.

California time

Mom makes the best empadão you would love it

You should call my mom

Whatever.