A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 181

“I hope you don’t mind, Goddess; we just threw this together last minute.”

Baxter’s voice rang out, “Hey, Hala, you around?”

buxom girl zoomed past Baxter, tossing an ashtray in his direction, “What’s with the yelling? I’m in the middle of a plot outline here!”

“Spare me, Hala!” Baxter ducked and dodged. “I’m just introducing the newbie, Matilda. Or as most know her as, Dawn.”

“Oh, I’ve heard about her.” Hala glanced up at Matilda and smirked with a welcoming grin, “Hey there, we’re pretty chill here. Make yourself at home.”

The geeky guy with a green dinosaur hoodie scooted over with his chair, rolling up to Matilda, “Are you joining our merry band of misfits?”

Matilda returned the smile, confirming her new role. The vibe was casual and cozy, just like a down–to–earth family gathering. No sooner had she sat down than the gang started sliding her packets of instant coffee.

“It’s a rite of passage here. We survive the late nights on instant coffee,” Baxter said with a chuckle. “If you need more, just spin your chair around and help yourself from the box.”

on a mountainous

coffee.

it really that bad?” she gulped.

chimed in without looking up from her keyboard. “I used to boast at proud E–cup, but ever since I joined the studio, I’m down

but think that was

nerds – from Yoshi in his pajamas to the curvaceous Hala, the tomboyish Luna, and Baxter, who’d first brought her in

shallow joints out there. We’re all easy to get along with,” said Luna, glancing over at Matilda, “Except when it comes to lending money.”

buddies until money’s involved. Then it’s like, ‘Who are you?

10:05

Chapter 181

tall as a small hill, which effectively cut her off from the world. Around eight in the evening, Baxter came around with

from the heap, dark circles under his eyes like badges of honor.

vampire,” Hala clicked her tongue, “Waking up earlier

Dawn’s presence. He can sense the living amongst us,” Yoshi joked, likening Orson to a canine. He nodded towards Orson, “Take a look to your

groggy and disheveled, squinted at Matilda with sleepy eyes,