Tells of Lover's Past

The Thai food sits half-eaten between the three of you, conversation flowing more easily now as the wine loosens everyone's tongues. Your mind feels unusually sharp, the IQ Boost pill counteracting the subtle fog that's been creeping into your thoughts since the transformation. You trace the rim of your wineglass thoughtfully, then turn your attention to Clara.

"I couldn't help but notice your reaction to my tattoo," you say, your Irish lilt softening the direct question. "You said it looks like yours?"

Clara's fork pauses halfway to her mouth. She sets it down carefully, a flash of vulnerability crossing her face before she takes another sip of wine.

"It's... identical, actually," she admits, bending slightly to pull up the hem of her tailored pants, revealing a delicate Celtic knot inked around her right ankle. The design matches yours perfectly—the same intricate loops and whorls, even down to the subtle emerald accents. "I got it in Dublin. Junior year abroad."

https://imgur.com/a/fAyUkUx

"It's beautiful," you say, genuinely admiring the artistry. "What made you choose that particular design?"

Something shifts in Clara's expression—a softening around her eyes, a slight parting of her lips as if debating how much to share.

"It was... a significant time for me," she says carefully, glancing briefly at David before returning her gaze to you. "I was studying international finance, but spending every free weekend exploring the countryside, visiting these ancient sites. The knot represents eternal connection—no beginning, no end." She traces the pattern on her ankle absently. "I got it after meeting someone who helped me understand some things about myself."

"A lover?" you ask gently, your enhanced intelligence picking up on the emotional weight behind her words.

"Her name was Siobhan," Clara admits, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "My first... well, my only real relationship with a woman before—" She cuts herself off, looking at you meaningfully.

David shifts in his seat, clearly hearing information about Clara he never knew before.

"What happened with her?" you ask, leaning forward slightly, the emerald silk of your dress catching the light.

"Visa expired. She went back to Galway, I returned to finish my degree at LSE." Clara shrugs, but the casual gesture doesn't mask the old hurt. "We promised to stay connected, but... life happens. The tattoo was my way of keeping that time with me."

She meets your eyes across the table, and something electric passes between you. "When I saw the same design on you... it felt like fate, honestly. Like things coming full circle."

David clears his throat awkwardly. "I had no idea about any of this," he says, refilling everyone's wine glasses. "All these years you've never mentioned..."

"Not something I advertise at the office, David," Clara replies with a wry smile. Her foot finds yours under the table again, sliding along your ankle. "But maybe I'm tired of keeping parts of myself hidden."

21:30 | Monday 4 August 2025 | Putney Flat

All tasks completed for today!

Return Points: 67/100

Babe Bucks: 5