"Tell me about it. What's happening in Timber Falls?"
"The usual. Practice, games, paperwork. Tommy's teaching me all the administrative stuff. It's pretty boring compared to Paris."
There it was again—that weird tension.
"Jake, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. I'm happy you're making friends."
"But?"
"But nothing. I'm glad you're settling in. I am."
"You don't sound glad. You sound... upset."
Jake was quiet for a moment. "I'm not upset. I'm just—it's hard hearing about all these experiences you're having without me. These people you're meeting. This life you're building in Paris."
"Jake, you told me to go. You encouraged this."
"I know. And I meant it. But that doesn't mean it's not hard."
Lucy felt her chest tighten. "Do you want me to not tell you about my life here? Should I just pretend Paris doesn't exist when we talk?"
"No, that's not—" Jake sighed. "I don't know what I want. I want you to be happy. But I also miss you so much it physically hurts. And hearing about all these new people in your life makes me feel like I'm being replaced."
"You're not being replaced! Jake, they're just classmates. Friends. You're—you're everything."
"Am I? Because from here it feels like you have this whole new life and I'm just the guy you text occasionally."
"That's not fair. I'm trying. The time difference is brutal, and I'm exhausted all the time, and I'm doing my best to stay connected—"
"I know. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
They were both quiet. The video call felt like a chasm—six time zones and an ocean and the distance between who they used to be and who they were becoming.
"Maybe we should talk later," Lucy said quietly. "When we're both less tired."
"Yeah. Maybe."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
The call ended, and Lucy stared at her phone screen.
Their first fight. Sort of. Not even a real fight—just tension and hurt feelings and the impossible logistics of being apart.
Lucy wanted to call back, to fix it, to make things okay.
But it was past midnight for Jake. He needed sleep. And she had early classes tomorrow.
So instead, she texted:
Lucy:I'm sorry. I'm not trying to replace you or forget about us. You're still the most important person in my life.
Three dots appeared. Then disappeared. Then appeared again.
Jake:I know. I'm sorry too. I'm just struggling with the distance more than I expected. We'll figure it out.
