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carolinampereira.bsky.social
Carolina | Looking for feedback
@carolinampereira.bsky.social
88 followers 71 following 260 posts
Born to be a writer, forced to be a software engineer | she/her | 25yo | Portugal
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carolinampereira.bsky.social
Some summer teenage drama

English on alt

#WIPSnip #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
"I don't feel sorry for him either. I just don't want to see Vanessa suffer. I assume that's what's happening in there." "Yeah. But you don't need to go there to calm the girl down too. Or rather, I don't even know if they would let you. Pete was basically chased away with a broom." "Good Lord." It might not be funny, but I laughed anyway. What a soap opera. "I trust Mel with these things. She has a way of calming people down." "Vanessa might still have the strength to snap Jonathan some sense. That is, if she survives today." Dan kicked a stone away and returned to his cold tone. "If not, I'll take care of giving him a congratulatory high-five myself. On his face." "Jez." This time I couldn't laugh, I knew the chance of him not being joking was high.
December 23, 2025 at 9:43 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Back with the show jumping snips

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My stomach clenched at the first jump, despite having started as well as he could. He picked up pace, soon attacking the second obstacle with a daring angle that provoked a few restrained gasps from the audience. Vanessa was stamping her foot, speeding up the stopwatch. We both hissed at the same time when a hoof passed close to the bar. Low jumps. A risk with an element of overconfidence that only Jonathan knows how to calculate. I perched on the fence, feeling the electric energy in my body and a tingling in my feet every time the horse twisted into the tight turns. I hadn't even landed from one jump yet, and the next one was already prepared. It was a real sprint.
December 22, 2025 at 8:43 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Jonathan always goes a bit over the top with gifts

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We sat on the edge of the bed. Before untying the ribbon, I took out my smartphone to take a picture of the intact box. This meticulousness provoked an emphatic eye roll from Jonathan. Finally, I removed the lid from the box, but the suspense only intensified. Inside, buried in the black velvet, was a small velvet bag of the same blue as the box. Jonathan continued to watch me expectantly as the mouth of the bag opened at the same time as mine. I took out a thin silver necklace adorned with a heart painted with the iconic blue and a silhouette of a shiny metal butterfly full of small pink crystals. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen. I was speechless, with the necklace hanging in front of my face. I was mesmerized by the shine, the elegance and beauty of that piece. It hurts me to call it mine, it seemed too good to be true. Beside me was another treasure that sometimes surprises me that it is still mine. This one is plated in white gold, an invaluable fortune. I hugged him tightly once more, proceeding to shower him with kisses and "thank yous." Jonathan's ear-to-ear smile shone almost as brightly as the necklace. It filled my heart more than any jewel.
December 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
All the bright places

#Lofoten #Norway #Photography
A wide-angle landscape photograph captures a serene valley nestled between rugged, golden-brown mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. In the foreground, a field of low-lying, dark vegetation and moss leads to a calm body of water that reflects the surrounding peaks and the soft light of the sun.
December 20, 2025 at 9:30 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Not this Reddit wrapped thing telling me to stop overthinking and actually write... 😬
December 20, 2025 at 7:28 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
It's Courtney b*tch

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Jonathan was about to answer the question he had when we heard someone knocking on the door. The rhythm didn't match the secret knock I'd been taught. Silence fell in the cabin. "I'll open it, okay?" a female voice called from the outside. "Oh, no," Ryan murmured, dragging his voice. The reaction was unanimous. Smiles and jokes were replaced by interjections of discouragement and sighs. The door opened with a squeak. I looked the girl up and down. She had more mannerisms than height. Her hairstyle, with Californian highlights, was the result of an hour of straightening. The fluorescent orange top matched her long nails, emphasizing an almost flat chest that struggled to peek out from the daring neckline. The white pants molded to her slender legs, ending in a pair of silver high-heel sandals. I understand the audience's reaction.
December 19, 2025 at 11:39 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Daniel's requests

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"It's your turn to be clear and honest. With that cotton candy friend of yours. Either that, or you admit you're only in love with the idea of fancying her. That's my extra request." I stood there, frozen. It took me a while to grasp all the implications of that request. Tonight only added another layer of complexity to the matter. The case may be closed, but the file keeps calling to me from the drawer. Dan raised his brows, a silent insistence. "Weird way to ask me to forget my crush on you." I surprised myself with the firmness of my own voice. "I didn't ask you to send her a love letter. You're the one who took it in that direction. So that's what you want. And if you want it, don't come pointing the finger at me." I took the lecture.
December 18, 2025 at 9:44 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Mud monster mandatory snip

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Jonathan slow clapped as Daniel approached us with an expression that mixed anger with triumph. "You nailed that fall," he applauded mockingly. "I've never felt so good after crashing to the ground." Daniel dismounted from the horse, whose color had already faded between the mud and the white of the grease. Only then could we get a full view of his condition. He was covered in mud from head to toe, with sweat on his forehead mixing with a failed attempt to wipe his face. It was quite a comical sight, even though we knew that bruises and ripped skin would appear beneath that brown layer.
December 17, 2025 at 6:28 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
This, but make it "mean"or something like that instead of evil for Daniel and Patrícia.
And Peter hasn't always been like that.
December 17, 2025 at 4:58 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
A warm fuzzy feeling above all

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I was so close to grasping that bright spark of eternal well-being. It was right there. All I had to do was take the leap. I remembered Florence's words. Hormones of love, happiness, comfort. The best drug within our reach. Everything threw me back onto that sandy beach where the sea air merged with the smell of makeup and cigarette smoke. That's what Florence was talking about. A heavy blanket snuggling me up with the promise that I'll never feel alone again. Maybe that's what I'm looking for. It's not Patricia. It's not Melanie. It's this release. This desire.
December 15, 2025 at 9:23 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
A horse shaped Daniel

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Without thinking, I grabbed a blue lead rope hanging from the hook beside me and opened the stall door behind me. The smell of hay and horse intensified as I entered, but the bed appeared to have been made recently. A dark eye greeted me curiously, turning to face me. I gave it space to move and acknowledge my presence. Its mouth was dirty with feed, which diminished its imposing presence. Even so, its deep snorting already showed its strong personality. I greeted the horse by running my hand along its black neck. After making sure I wouldn't lose any fingers, I attached the lead rope to its halter and led it into the stable corridor, where Ryan was still looking around indecisively. "Here." I extended the leash toward Ryan. The stallion suddenly raised its head, tugging at my arm. He seemed upset to realize he was in control of the wrong version of his favorite human. It is what it is, buddy.
December 13, 2025 at 2:27 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Crush instead of smash

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The hug crushed my ribs, trapping my arms like a straitjacket made of longing and joy. I overestimated the memories of this house, thinking I would only feel bitterness and aversion upon returning. But here I am, with a lump in my throat and tears ready to fall as I return the hug. "Having you here today wasn't part of the plan at all." Florence's eyes were red as she let go of me. She cupped my cheeks in her hands, as if making sure I was still the same. "Why only now? Did you forget the way back? Idiot." "I could ask you the same thing." I stroked her bare arms. The warmth radiating from her was real. "I feel like I'm seeing something I shouldn't." said Ryan, who had stayed behind with Melanie and Jonathan. "I don't know. I'm not used to seeing you guys being cheesy." "Said like that, it sounds more like something else." I grumbled, feeling her face warm.
December 12, 2025 at 5:51 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Ryan is always extra when it comes to drinks 🍹

English on alt

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Across the table, Ryan was swirling the red straw in his glass as if he felt sorry about emptying it. I don't know what it was, but that electric blue didn't scream drinkable. They did give him what he wanted. It was a whole tropical affair, with the typical paper sunshade, a cherry, and a lemon slice. The ice floated on the surface of the tall, sinuous glass, giving an illusion of gradient. After taking the photo and uploading it, he lost his love for the sight of the full glass and took a gulp too large for someone trying a drink for the first time. We all waited for the grimace, but it never came. "Wow... okay... It's..." He put his hand on his chest and inspected the glass again. "Really good. Very sweet. Tastes like orange. Ten out of ten." He put the straw back in his mouth. "It leaves a weird warmth in my chest, but it's actually funny." "Funny?" Melanie questioned. "Today's the day we discover Ryan has alcoholic tendencies and we have to keep an eye on him." "I don't promise I won't try anything else from the menu. Especially since the bartender is cute."
December 11, 2025 at 9:53 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Not pipe, but drain. It all comes down to metaphorical plumbing in the end.

English on alt text

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"I'm going to the toilet." Tam announced out of nowhere. We all looked at her as she stood up. I felt sorry for her. She hadn't said a single word while we were clowning around. Not even a laugh, she who usually laughs at everything we say. She didn't look well. It was our fault, we didn't pay attention to her. I was selfish. As soon as I felt better, I assumed she was okay too. And there goes the good mood down the drain. It must be nothing. After all, Mel simply nodded at her.
December 10, 2025 at 9:44 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
A little cute snip
I lowered my head while Jonathan guided the necklace over it. I fixed my hair and straightened the pendants. I’m pretty sure Jonathan just gave me a glimpse of the expression I hope he’ll have when he sees me at the altar one day. “Beautiful. It looks perfect on you. Like it was made just for you.” I stood up to look at myself in the mirror. The necklace rested just below my collarbones, contrasting with the red of my top. My cheap earrings looked ridiculous now, honestly. At least the bracelet matched the necklace better. Not surprising, since Jonathan gave it to me in our first year of dating.
December 9, 2025 at 6:29 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
More show jumping

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A radio voice echoed through the loudspeakers, announcing the start of the competition. After the ceremonies, the first pair took the track. A sixteen-year-old girl riding a dappled gray horse of the same age. The background noise of crossed conversations was replaced by an observant silence. Some people leaned forward. Others leaned back, following the horse with their heads. At the obstacle next to the SUV, a hoof knocked down a bar, adding four penalty points that remained until the end of the course. It wasn't going to be an easy one. The pairs passed through the arena and the names were added to the classification table. After jumping the last obstacle, a round of applause followed, which everyone religiously respected. It was obvious who in the stands was cheering for whom. Competitiveness dethroned elegance from time to time.
December 8, 2025 at 11:00 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
One of the saddest things I ever wrote.

CW: grief

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"Oh, she'll be thrilled." Vanessa commented in a tender voice. "I thought it was so sweet how she dealt with you guys. More than an older sister, she was like a mother." I had to agree. I was overwhelmed by a wave of nostalgia for the trips to school, the private math lessons she gave us, the summer afternoons on the terrace. At the same time, I felt an emptiness. Repeating one of those late afternoons without Daniel here to drive Florence nuts won't be the same. That's when I had the saddest epiphany of all time. What I feel is something close to grief. Finally, I found what I was looking for in the mirror. Daniel's absence is being etched into my mind like a death without a body, a disappearance to be confirmed. I'm learning to live without him always looking over me. And the cure for codependency weighs heavily, chills me, and hurts.
December 7, 2025 at 12:08 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Road trip time!

English on alt

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"With these seats, even I could fall asleep." Ryan said, letting himself sink into the black leather. The new position allowed him to notice other details. "Does this have a sunroof? Super cool! I've never seen a sunroof. How does it work?" "You press the button, it opens, and you sunbathe until you realize it's one of the most useless things a car can have." "That's just talk from someone who has everything and doesn't even care anymore." Ryan retorted. "I don't know, man. I think it's really cool. Open it up, c'mon." It took a little more insistence to counter Jonathan's opinion. But he finally gave in and opened the sunroof. The blue sky shone through the dark glass, illuminating Ryan's face with a smile of fascination. I wish I could be happy with so little. With the simulated click-clack of the turn signals on the speakers, we hit the road. "Don't look at the time on the screen. It's bad for your health." Vanessa said. It was too late. The five and a half hours of travel ahead of us had already jumped out at me on the GPS.
December 5, 2025 at 3:30 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Back to the city he once lived.

CW: mental health struggle, references to psychiatric ward/institutionalization.

English on alt.

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Ryan kept comparing this city to the one we grew up in, all his comparisons tinged with pride. This one is darker, with more shady alleyways, more stores with newspaper-covered windows. However, the view of the illuminated castle atop the hill and the cobblestone streets instead of cement enchanted him enough not to miss his favorite colorful coffee shop. I realized I have no stories to tell about this city. It doesn't know me. I'm just an intruder who couldn't even pretend to live nearby. I'd retreated into a bubble no bigger than our house, the equestrian center, and school. Now that I'm back, I want to walk every street, enter every store, make up for the time I was nothing but a ghost. I also want to be honest and admit that my real desire is to rewrite the only story this place knows about me—that of a dead inside boy who ended up in the psychiatric ward three times.
December 4, 2025 at 10:43 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
No alarms and no surprises

#SpotifyWrapped #Wrapped2025
December 3, 2025 at 3:20 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Some reporting

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“I really don't know what to say to you,” Ryan sighed. “I just stood there staring, controlling my own stomach. You didn't pay me for that.” ​“I don't even have to pay you. I don't need you to play mother or servant. I just need you to—” ​“I know, I know,” he cut me off. It didn't even sound like his voice. “Short leash, eyes up, company, yadayada. Listen. I'm not going to pretend it was just a bad tummy ache. One hundred percent he was tripping.” ​“Better to assume the worst and have it be nothing than the opposite. Do you think something happened? What were you talking about?” ​“Nothing special, really. The only thing I see that might have affected him was that I fell—” ​“You fell??” The concern came out too aggressive. ​“Wow, you two are so alike. Peter also got all worked up right away. It wasn't serious, everything was under control. But he told me about the accident he had, and perhaps that brought something to the surface.”
December 2, 2025 at 5:09 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Back from a few days break.
Restarting the streak with a Daniel moment.

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I was falling apart. Not even the crumbs from the makeshift dinner stayed between my fucking fingers, much less what really matters. I ate the slice in half a dozen bites, already out of patience to avoid getting all messy. I picked up my phone again and got annoyed that it insisted the fingers I was using to unlock it didn't belong to me. "Don't get worked up." Peter advised, not caring much. "Eventually, you'll manage to unlock. And it won't be force that helps you." When I finally managed to get the empty chat to look at me again, Peter stood up. He snatched the napkin from my hand, while tenderly placing a hand on my head. They were encouraging caresses, but they translated into "you messed up, now clean it up." I wish this was about the crumbs on the sofa and my shorts.
December 1, 2025 at 3:17 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Diogo and mess are synonyms

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"I thought we were supposed to meet here at five." Peter commented, finally gathering the courage to enter. "Did I misunderstand?" "I said seven, like seven in the afternoon." Peter tilted his head back and murmured something. The mystery of his early arrival is solved. "If you prefer the twenty-four-hour format, it was scheduled for nineteen." I cleared up the misunderstanding while pondering what to do with the random stuff that was already piling up against the wall on my desk. I decided to throw everything into the drawer where most of the bulk junk lived. I only orient myself in chaos. Only then do I know where my things are. Ideas and a creative atmosphere emerge from these piles of uncategorized things. I can't let it flow if everything is tidy and hidden in shelves, drawers, and cabinets. The only exception to the rule is the sanctuary. That, indeed, is a tidy and clean space. Aside from the fact that there are guitar picks sprouting from the ground and poorly coiled cables.
November 27, 2025 at 6:32 PM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Peter is having fun

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And so miles passed. The music blared, some louder than others. Black Eyed Peas was always a hit. We even got an epic rendition of Britney Spears' "Toxic" by Ryan. He didn't miss a single syllable, and his falsetto was strangely in tune. He must have rehearsed well. Of course, I didn't get to stay quiet in my corner as a spectator for long. They started pulling me into the middle of the party. Melanie grabbed my wrists to make me clap. Vanessa insisted I told her what songs I know by heart. Don't put me in charge of DJing unless you want to ruin the atmosphere. My playlists are anything but danceable. Okay. I have to admit. I was having fun. Time sped up, devouring miles. All the energy in the car kept my eyes from closing again. Maybe this trip isn't such a bad idea after all. Nothing like a little party to drown the demons.
November 26, 2025 at 9:11 AM
carolinampereira.bsky.social
Right before their first kiss

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I couldn't stand listening to him rattling off words like someone answering a question on an English test anymore. "I'm terrible at this, sorry." He laughed, embarrassed. "I'll help you." I took a deep breath and organized my thoughts into a sentence. It wasn't the best. Maybe it wasn't even the truest, but it was what I wanted him to hear. "Even though Vitória offended me and even though I was unfair to her..." My voice broke in anguish, as if I had a system that censored me every time my words didn't reflect my thoughts. Now, even if I wanted to, I couldn't finish the sentence. Not when Jonathan interrupted his brisk walk to block my path on the sandy path that climbed through the pine forest. I had been under his gaze countless times, but he had never looked at me with the determination with which I see him staring at the instructions on a test, the calculator screen, or an obstacle in a circus ring. We became each other's next challenge.
November 25, 2025 at 9:34 AM