Paloma
Thanks Dad, I’m okay. Going for a run.
Papi
Just haven't heard from you and wanted to reach out.
I'm glad you are okay, mija.
Paloma
I didn't mean to go ghost after breakfast.
Just been thinking through some things.
Lunch? Next week?
Papi
Our place.
My lips quirk up at the corners as I tuck my phone back into my pocket. My dad and I have been texting, sharing music, and telling each other about our days ever since our difficult conversation. Getting to know him again has been a wonderful experience. We missed out on so much of each other’s lives, it feels almost too good to be true.
I feel as though I’m waiting for the shoe to drop. Like all of a sudden he’s going to stop answering or I’m going to wake up from this fever dream. Lately, life has been perfect. It’s scary, but it's real. Waffles meows from the door, and I turn the handle, cracking it open. His round, orangebody pushes through and immediately figure eights around my legs. I bend down to give him a scratch under his chin and go back to doing my makeup, while he settles at my feet, snuggling in.
“You know, Waffles E. Benedict, I forgive you for running out of the house, but I will never forgive you for snatching that man’s chicken nugget straight from his hand.” He purrs at my feet, completely unbothered by what I’ve said. “I guess it’s better it was his chicken nugget than his finger, you little psycho.”
I shake my head and pat in my sunscreen, rubbing it down my neck. I turn the sink on when my phone notifications ding and then dings again and again and again.
“What the hell is going on?” I rinse my hands quickly, drying them on the towel behind my door, and bring my phone to my face to unlock it.
Cass
Oh, Janelle, I’m so sorry.
Bri
Can we do anything for you?
Sending flowers to your mom’s house right now.
Janelle
I just, I wasn't expecting this.
I thought I had moretime.
Cass
It always happens when you least expect it, honey.
Janelle
I guess you’re right.
It hurts so fucking much, guys.
I scroll up to the top of the text string to see what is going on. Panic is seeping into my psyche, my chest tightening until I can understand what’s going on. When I finally make it to the top, I see the text I can’t unsee.
