LMCYTTWACYAGG: I am.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Did your roommate leave?
Golden_Phoenix: No, I’m hiding in my room.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: XD
I stare at the screen, not sure why I’m talking to this person. I have no idea who they are, but honestly, it’s just nice to talk tosomeone.Even if they are a thirteen-year old kid. Some would say it’s weird, and yeah, it definitely can be. But gamers can game together at all ages as long as they’re appropriate and respectful, which I am. Solar Surge has never had an issue with predators, but I know plenty of apps do. As a woman, part of me understands the fear behind it. And if LMC turns out to be a pre-pubescent teen, well, I guess we’re only going to talk about the game. But if he’s an adult… maybe he could be another friend.
I’ve talked to Amelia a couple times since being here, but she’s been so busy with school that we don’t get to talk that much. I guess I’m just lonely, and making friends online is safe. It’s what I know.
Golden_Phoenix: How old are you?
LMCYTTWACYAGG: 22. You?
Golden_Phoenix: 18
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Have you played SS for all 18 of those? Because you’re pretty good.
I laugh and it feels good. It’s been a long time since I laughed so freely, since something someone said wasfunnyand I didn’t have to force it.
Golden_Phoenix: No, but it has been quite a few years. It’s a guilty pleasure at this point.
Golden_Phoenix: What’s up with your username?
I stare at the phone for a while, waiting for a response.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: I didn’t want to use all my creativity on a username I may not keep. You know, in case I didn’t like the game?
Golden_Phoenix: So you threw letters together?
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Basically.
There’s a knock on the door, and then it opens.
“Sam—”
“Are you hungry?” he asks, not letting me get another word out.
I huff a sound, then count to five before I answer. I need to leave, but fighting with him and getting kicked out won’t make my life any easier. What I should do is find a therapist to dump all this stuff on, minus the murder part of course, get into a better headspace, and go home.
“No, thank you.”
I watch him standing in the doorway and wait for him to leave, only he doesn’t. He comes into the room instead.
“I don’t like that we’re fighting.”
I put my phone down and try to hide my annoyance. This is his room, and he’s letting me stay here, but he should respect the fact that he offered for it to bemyspace.
“We’re not fighting.”
“Well, we aren’t getting along.”
“Living with someone isn’t easy, I hear.”
“I just miss the way we were.” He reaches for my hand and gets it before I can pull away. He links our fingers, and it feels all wrong. I tell myself it’s a friendly gesture, something Amelia has even done, but it feels… weird.
“I told you, Sam, we’refriends.”
