Romance Dialogue Prompts ! / Sweet Dialogue Prompts.

Back to the Wall

“You’ve got me… Now what?”

“Don’t tell me you’re chickening out.”

“You’re mine now.”

“Your lips look so soft from up close. Kissable.”

“You look like you want to devour me.”

“No where to run. But you didn’t want to escape, did you?”

“Your heart’s racing. What are you afraid I’m going to do?”

“I can’t resist you.”

“I knew I could get you to chase me. You’re so easy to rile up.”

“You’re shaking… ”

“No more teasing.”

“You’ve been taunting me all day. Was this what you were after?”

“As they say, turnabout is fair play.”

“You thought I was just going to lay back and take it?”

“You’re starting to realize you’re in over your head, aren’t you?”

“I’m going to take what’s mine.”

“Now that I’ve caught you - on your knees.”

“You shiver every time I breathe in your ear. How cute~.”

“You didn’t know you were into this, did you?”

“Fuck, I love it when you do this.”

“Don’t forget who’s in control.”

“You’ve been pushing your luck. This is a reminder of who’s in charge.”

“Are you gonna give it to me? Or are you all bark and no bite?”

“Don’t get cocky.”

“I hope this is going where I think it is.”

“Don’t worry, I like things a bit rough.”

“Now that’s what I call foreplay.”

“You’re hot as hell when you get all in my face like this.”

“Is that it? Didn’t you want to prove a point?”

“I can feel how bad you want me. Give in.”

“If you want out, this is your last chance.”

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

We discussed the issue of describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!

This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.

So let’s get to it.

S T A N D A R D  D E S C R I P T I O N

B a s i c  C o l o r s

Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.

“She had brown skin.”

This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.

Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.

C o m p l e x  C o l o r s

These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.

For example: Golden brown, russet brown, tawny beige…

As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.

“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”

Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:

“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”

M o d i f i e r s 

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

D a r k - D e e p - R i c h - C o o l

W a r m - M e d i u m - T a n

F a i r - L i g h t - P a l e

Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…

If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.

Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.

As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.

While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; I’d just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned white person.

Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)

U n d e r t o n e s

Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.

Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.

As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).

“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”

“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”

Standard Description Passage

“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.” 

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.

Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.

Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.

C R E A T I V E  D E S C R I P T I O N

Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.

I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.

Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where. Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.

Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight-up creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.

When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.

So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.

Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand said person.

“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”

“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”

Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.

F L O W E R S

Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose

It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists. 

You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.

Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.

“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.

At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone.“ 

I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.

“Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”

I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.

I don’t suggest using a comparison just “’cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.

W O O D

Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash

Wood is definitely an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.

Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.

“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”

M E T A L S

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…

I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.

These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.

If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.

Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.

“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.” 

P H Y S I C A L  D E S C R I P T I ON

Physical character description can be more than skin tone.

Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.

Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as Afro hair to a Black character.

How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…

G E N E R A L  T I P S

Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.

Get Creative All On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.

Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.

Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your White characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).

PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please. 

Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.

Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.

Skin Tone Resources

List of Color Names

The Color Thesaurus

Things that are Brown (blog)

Skin Undertone & Color Matching

Tips and Words on Describing Skin

Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)

Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)

Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics 3 2 1

Writing & Description Guides

WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair

Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color

Describing Characters of Color (Passage Examples)

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make

I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!

~ Mod Colette

soft things fictional couples do when going to sleep + writing prompts

pulling their lover closer, wrapping their hands and legs around them like a koala 

giving their lover one of their shirts, when they don’t have one to sleep in

kissing their lover goodnight [on the cheek] bonus if they’re spooning

holding hands while sleeping

falling asleep while stargazing together

one of them nuzzles their head into their lover’s chest, falling asleep, as their lover kisses them gently, wrapping their arms tighter around them 

smiling sleepily at their lover, as their lover kiss them goodnight

when their lover has fallen asleep, and they smile, realizing how lucky they are, placing a kiss on their lover’s forehead

laying on their lover’s chest, listening to their heartbeat, drawing circles on their chest

saying i love you to their lover, who answers with a soft kiss

resting their head on their lover’s shoulder, falling asleep

kissing their lover’s knuckle, intertwining their fingers

laying on opposite sides of the bed, only for one of them to turn around, roll around, and spoon their lover 

falling asleep, as their head is resting on their lover’s lap, who’s running their fingers through their hair, caressing their cheeks 

one of them turns to their lover, reaching after them, pulling them closer by the arms, wrapping their lover’s hands around their own body 

Person A: “Did none of you, think this was a bad idea?!”

Person B: “Oh no, we all did. We just decided to do it anyway.”

Smut prompts

Good kitten... god I love how you taste.

I can touch you in more than one way, my love.

Sit on my face.

Wait, what are the ropes for?

I'm gonna make you feel good~

Beg for it.

I can't hear you~. Louder, baby.

What if I want to explore you ?

You taste so sweet,baby...

Y-you make me feel so good...

I'll make sure you can't think of anything but the pleasure of being with me.

I just love to hear your cute moans.

Mmh... You're such a tease.

I brought you a new toy ~

I want to touch you. Will you let me?

I would love to see you touch yourself.

Did I stutter? I said take it off.

Gosh, you're so innocent it makes me want to do things to you.

W-wait, I don't wanna be tied up. I wanna touch you too ...

Come here kitten so I can love you.

That was naughty of you. Do it again.

It's not just a toy. Lay down and let me show you something.

You're so gorgeous... So perfect, my love.

I just can't get enough of you.

I-I want to kiss you, touch you, Feel you...

I don't care if someone sees us. I want you now.

When we get home, I'm gonna f***k like my life depends on it.

Good girl/ good boy.

Put it inside.

This strangely feels so good...

You know, I can make you come untouched.

Smut prompts

You better be bare underneath.

Your innocence is strangely a turn on for me. It makes me want to taint you...

I'm going to make you scream.

You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen,my love.

Is that enough punishment ?

Why are you soaking wet my love?

By the time I'm done with you, the only one on your mind would be me ,The only name on your lips would be mine. And it would be my touch that you would crave.

You're such a cute little kitten when you're flustered like this.

Mmm~ I want you so badly.

You want me to be rough with you, don't you?

Do you want me to be rough ?

I could go for a round two.

I know you want me.

Please touch me,I pray

I know you want it .

I think I've found your sweet spot.

You're so cute. It makes me want to tease you more.

You're so perfect my love. So damn perfect...

You have no idea how long I've waited to able to touch you like this.

What ? Does that turn you on ,hmm~?

Good girl .

On your knees.

You don't want everyone to hear you do you ?

Wanna take a shower with me ?

Take off my clothes and look me in the eyes while you do it.

This would teach you, who you belong to.

Lay back and relax .

Haha, why are you so shy now? You were so confident when you were teasing me earlier .

Y-You not going to hold back are you?

I'm starting to think your brain is made of ninety nine percent horny cells.

This is what you get for being naughty with your teasing.

What do you think about BDSM?

Mouth or hands? Choose .

I want you now. Tonight .

Tonight ,we ride or die . Literally.

Y-You want me to take off my clothes?

Why are trying to act so innocent now, hm?

You have the body of a goddess.

Relax, I promise I won't hurt you .

S-stop it ...I'm working-mmh...

Imagine your otp

A kissing B out of nowhere and smile sweetly at them. B blushing due to the unexpected kiss. A pulls B onto their lap , "You . Are. So . Beautiful . " A smiles warmly , looking at B with their eyes full of love and kiss them passionately . / Lovingly.

hi! did you delete your prompt list you posed yesterday? can you please repost i want to write them 🥺

Enemies to lovers flirting prompts

“ you said you'd kill me, amongst other things... “

“ you've got a dagger pointed at my heart. “

“ if you're telling the truth, if you're so convinced you'll kill me... do it. “

“ you're not one to trust. “ “ what if you could trust me? “ “ i can't. and i won't. “

“ i know better. “ “ do you? or are you simply trying to convince yourself you're better than you truly are? “

“ even after everything we've been through, you still can't find it in your heart to trust me? “

“ you do realize that if i push that dashing little dagger into your heart, your father will put a hit on my own? “

“ looks like you’re going to have to prove yourself worthy of my time. “

“ kiss me. “ “ oh, thank fuck... “

“ do you have your gun? “ [beat] “ that's not a gun. “ “ shoots just like one. “

“ i decided to spare your life, but now you're pushing it. “

“ because i know, that somewhere, deep down, in that heinous heart of yours... there's a part of you that still cares. and i'm not giving up before i find it. “

“ you do better than to walk away. “ “ you're right. i should have walked away a long time ago. “

“ you’ve won me over, again. who knew you could be so charming? “

“ last night was a mistake. i'm serious, i won't go there again. “ “ you're already here, love. “

“ is that a challenge? “

“ use me. “

“ maybe it's about time you get it out of your system. “

“ you're not heartless. i doubt it sometimes but you're not. “

“ i really don't think this is necessary. “ “ just a precaution, darling. “

“ i don't need to be lectured. especially not by you. “

“ your absence from [location] made me forget how utterly dreadful you are. “

“ of course, we can't forget how you let [antagonist] kidnap and torture the information out of you. had you been smart, you would have negotiated your way out of it. “

“ what do you want? “ “ you. all of you. tonight. “

“ you shouldn't be here. “ “ just say the world and i'll go. “ [beat] “ you don't want me to [leave], do you? “

“ look, i know we're not... friends, but... i don't have anywhere else to go. “

“ you hurt? “ “ moderately. “ “ let me take a look. “

“ stay, for as long as you need. we can go back to hating each other tomorrow. “

“ like i said, they're allies, not friends. you on the other hand, might qualify as one. “

“ sometimes your allies are a liability, and you have to blow a limb or two. “

“ you look beautiful. “ “ don't bother, your lies don't bite. “

“ this is very unattractive behavior. i can see why you're single. “

“ you could take his ring, but not my peace offering? consider my heart broken. “

“ looks like you've finally turned me into the monster you always wanted. congratulations. “

“ if you truly wanted me dead, i'd already be six feet under. “

“ actually, there's not a whole lot i would do for you. expect maybe get down on my knees. “

“ i'm gonna kill you. “ “ go right ahead, love. “

“ go to hell. “ “ i'm sure the devil will greet us both with open arms. “

“ you killed an innocent man? who killed him? “ [locks at their enemy]. “ of course you did. “

Enjoy.

WORDS TO USE INSTEAD OF: LAUGH / LAUGHED / LAUGHING

Do you ever find yourself over-using the verb “laugh” (or “laughed” or “laughing”) in your writing? Try using these words instead:

giggle / giggled / giggling

chuckle / chuckled / chuckling

snicker / snickered / snickering

cackle / cackled / cackling

guffaw / guffawed / guffawing

grin / grinned / grinning

titter / tittered / tittering

snort / snorted / snorting

chortle / chortled / chortling

howl / howled / howling

roar / roared / roaring

cachinnate / cachinnated / cachinnating

snigger / sniggered / sniggering

mock / mocked / mocking

crack up / cracked up / cracking up

bust a gut / busted a gut / busting a gut

in stitches / in stitches / in stitches

burst into laughter / burst into laughter / bursting into laughter

die of laughter / died of laughter / dying of laughter

split one’s sides / split one’s sides / splitting one’s sides

(NOTE: Keep in mind that all of these words have slightly different meanings and are associated with different emotions/scenarios.)

a hundred kissing prompts

please give credit if you repost.

“ just kiss me. ”

“ i really want to kiss you right now. “

“ forgive me with a kiss? “

“ give me a smooch. “

“ you’re mine. “ “ so come kiss me. “

“ maybe if you kiss me, i’ll do the dishes. “

“ i’m here for business — not pleasure. “

“ so you don’t want me to kiss you? “

“ i could kiss you for hours. “

“ how about a good night kiss? “

“ you may now kiss your fiancée. “

“ we should practice for our wedding day. “

“ you, me, bed, now. “

“ i want our first kiss to be special. “

“ you didn’t kiss me good night last night. “

“ we forgot our good morning kiss. “

“ i forgot to kiss you good morning, so i’m doing it now. “

“ i’ve been wanting to kiss you for a while. “

“ kiss me, i’m miserable. “

“ who was your first kiss? “

“ did you pay the bills? “ “ yes — where’s my kiss? “

“ if you want me to kiss you, all you have to do is ask. “

“ you’re a great kisser. “

“ you’ve never made out with yourself in the mirror? “ “ …what? “

“ can i get another one? “

“ every time you kiss me, i swear i fall even more in love with you. “

“ i haven’t mastered the art of kissing yet. “

“ wanna practice? “

“ you’re a great kisser... is there an award for that? “

“ kiss the pain away. “

“ your lips on mine and i'm home. “

“ is there such a thing as love at first kiss? “

“ if i were to kiss someone, it would be you. “

“ you’re irresistible. ”

“ with your lips on mine there's less bullshit coming out of it, so i guess there's that. “

“ you’ve got great lips. ” “ thank you? “

“ kiss me again — but don’t stop this time. “

“ i love it when you kiss me. “

“ your kisses mean the world to me. “

“ i want you to kiss me. for real, this time. “

“ one last kiss is worth being late to work for. “

“ if you kiss me, we’re not getting out of bed today… “

“ you kissed me last night. “ “ and you didn't stop me. “

“ no more kisses! i need to get ready for work. “

“ you’re not much for kisses, are you? “

“ i really want to kiss you. “

“ it’s cute, this thing you’re doing. “ [being nervous over their first kiss]

“ you've never been kissed before? “

“ you’re going to have to guide me through this. “

“ do i just... close my eyes and lean in? “

“ you're just, really cute, and i don't want you to be disappointed... “

“ if you're not ready for a kiss, that's okay. “

“ guess there's some pressure for you too, isn't there? you know, being my first kiss and all... “

“ i want our first kiss to be special. “

“ one day, i'm going to kiss you, and it's going to be magical. “

“ i kissed you. “ “ i know, i... was there. “

“ kiss me again. “

“ you just can't help yourself, can you? “

“ you’re just… you know, i really want our first kiss to be special. “

“ i've always wondered what it would be like to kiss you. “

“ it's just an innocent kiss. “

“ we're friends, right? friends kiss each other all the time. “

“ people kiss each other all the time, doesn't mean there's feelings involved. “

“ i'm sorry for bringing it up. “ “ actually, i would love to kiss you. “

“ you mean, you, and me? kissing? “

“ you've seriously never thought about [us kissing each other]? “ “ maybe once or twice. “

“ you mean us, kissing? “ “ can’t say it never crossed my mind. “

“ let’s just… kiss to see what it’s like. “

“ fuck it. get over here. let’s do it. “

“ it’s just an innocent kiss. it’s not like it means anything. “

“ when you kissed me... it's like my soul got set on fire. “

“ i've heard great things about you. so naturally... i'm a little curious. “

“ it’s not like i’ve thought about kissing you, or anything… “

“ you’re really good at this, you know. “

“ all i want to do is kiss you, all day. every day. “

“ i’ve never kissed anyone before. “

“ you said you’ve never kissed anyone before. i’m planning on changing that. “

“ well, if anybody were to kiss me… i would want that person to be you. “

“ you just can't get enough of me, can you? “

“ and right now... i think you should kiss me. “

“ are you sure you’re ready for this? “ “ i've been ready. “

“ don't make this weird. “ “ but... you haven't been kissed before. “

“ kiss me like you mean it. “

“ kisses aren't necessary. we can stick to hugs and hand holding. “

“ i’ll kiss you right now to prove that i don’t feel anything for you. “

“ you kissed me first. “ “ i definitely didn't. “ “ you were literally all over me. “

“ i’ve been wanting to do that for a while. ”

“ did you just kiss me? “

“ you're full of shit if you think that kiss didn't mean anything. “

“ did we just... kiss? “

“ your kiss already proved it. “

“ shit... i didn't mean to do that. “ you didn't mean to kiss me? “

“ kiss me, and don't let go. “

“ you're not gonna kiss me. “

“ kiss me and you'll find out. “

“ you don't have to kiss me if you don't want to. “

“ and right now, i think you should kiss me. “

“ you shouldn't kiss me right now. “

“ don't speak, just... kiss me. “

“ come kiss me. “