Emily:Is that a whiteboard??
Me:She found it in the garage. I have no idea where it came from.
Emily:And Audrey’s a student??
Me:Audrey is the teaching assistant. She takes attendance.
Emily:I’m deceased. This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
Me:She asked if you could come be a guest speaker sometime. Topic of your choice.
Emily:Tell her I’d be honored.
Emily:I miss them.
The words hit me square in the chest.
Me:They miss you too.
Me:So do I.
The dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.
Emily:I miss you too.
Tuesday,10:17 AM
Emily:I made an appointment.
Me:For what?
Emily:Therapy. There’s a woman in Vanceboro that Mia’s therapist recommended. I see her next Thursday.
I read the message three times. Then I leaned against my truck because my legs felt a little unsteady.
Me:Em. That’s huge.
Emily:Yeah, not gonna lie. I’m terrified.
Me:I think that’s normal, after everything you’ve been through.
Emily:I guess so.
Emily:I almost canceled it twice already and it’s been like a few hours.
Me:But you didn’t.
Emily:No. I didn’t.
Me:I’m proud of you.
Emily:Don’t make me cry. I just did my mascara.
Me: …
I love you
I stared at the words until they blurred. Then I held down the backspace button until they were gone.
