Video chat

*Jef1992:* where did ur name come from *CoraReef:* It's a string instrument from Africa. *CoraReef:* My parents were anthro majors in college :P *Jef1992:* lol

Jeff thought the face smiling out at him from the screen was really cute. _Model_ cute, like a girl in a lingerie ad who looks too innocent to be on the page.

*Jef1992:* y no sound? ur mic broken? *CoraReef:* 3 little sibs & thin walls. I like my privacy ;)

The ASCII wink meant nothing, but her sideways grin and single raised eyebrow set his heart speeding. He wondered what her voice sounded like.

*CoraReef:* Hang on. Fam.

On her end, Cora turned the laptop away from her face.

"Cora? Sweetie? When will you come down to dinner?" called her mother.

"S-s-s-" she began. Sibilants were always the worst. She screwed up her face in concentration. "S-soon." A light soprano note broke through her stutter. Back to the boy.

*CoraReef:* Sorry, I gotta go. :( *Jef1992:* can I call u on the phone later?

Cora thought about her answer for a long time.