Nina Elle Starts Smoking

Nina steps inside, still flushed from her run, gym bag slung over one shoulder, water bottle in hand. The apartment’s a mess — empty beer bottles, an overflowing ashtray, and a half-crushed pack of cigarettes on the coffee table. She frowns. “Ugh… gross.”

She starts cleaning, muttering to herself, but pauses when one of the white cigarettes slips out. She picks it up, turning it over in her fingers. Curious. She brings it closer, sniffing. “I’m a health nut. I shouldn’t…” She sets it down. Then picks it up again.

A glance in the mirror. She puts it between her lips, half-smirking. “Maybe just one try.” She lights it, inhales — and coughs immediately. “Okay… that’s awful… but kind of good?” Another drag, slower. Then a perfect, calm exhale.