cross-cultural
She's an American dating an Israeli, and she doesn't know what to make of his parents. They aren't mean to her, in fact they seem to like her, they're just... I get it. They're thoroughly Israeli. I sit with her for a while and try to help her understand.
distance
Do I miss him? (Not really.) Should I? (Emotions aren't obligatory.)
encroach
By the bay there's a row of abandoned houses. Sand has crept in through the cracks in the boarded up windows. Each door has grown a wild beard of leaves.
facelift
There's a thick smell of paint in the corridor, and the light is cloudy with dust.
gratification
I'm not a beach person; when I take time off, I probably won't be sitting on a beach for hours. But I love the smell of sunscreen. I love the feel of sea water curling around my ankles.
inarguable
They're not looking to learn, just hoping to become more certain of what they think they already know.
rasping
She's hoarse, her throat sanded away by a weeks-long cold.
