Re: [South woods: Connie & Atticus]
Atticus was sluggish. Wasn't ever a particularly quick man. Thought before he spoke, unless he was riled up. Now, he thought more. Listened to her. Looked at her. "Don't need to change for other people, Connie," he said quietly. Softly. His voice carried no weight and didn't sound like lecturing. It was a soft statement, offered earnestly. "Know what that feels like, but don't need to." He smiled at her warmly, fondly. "Not that you don't look amazing. You do." She did. "Just want you to be happy. At the end of the day? That's all there really is. The happy days." The bad days were there, but no one wanted to wallow in those. Was hypocritical, since Atticus was currently doing nothing but wallowing, but he recognized his hypocrisy and believed that made a difference.
He chuckled when she winked, and he leaned forward for that clink of glasses. "What does the new Connie have on the agenda next? World domination? Mind-altering cupcakes? A pink roof on the B&B?" Sat back. Slouched. Same old Atticus as always.