The screen shows Mum’s details, and the stringent smell of hospital antiseptic suddenly floods my nostrils; the taste of activated charcoal and bitter pills coats my tongue.
After my failed, ahem—attempt—my stomach had pulled tight every time someone walked through the ward door; sinkingwhen it was a nurse or another patient’s visitor standing there instead.
For days, I believed my mother would catch a twelve-hour flight to sit by my bedside.
She never even called.
I close my eyes, rehearsing a conversation. Except I can’t imagine anything beyond a confused, “Hello?”
It could equally be, “Sorry, Ophelia who?”
It could be nothing because she’s blocked me.
Just do it, you coward.
My throat is so dry, I can barely swallow.
Do it!
My thumb hovers over the dial button.
Then the phone buzzes and I yelp, clutching it so hard the screen flashes with streaks of yellow. My heart pounds, but it’s not her calling, just a random notification. Exhaling a shaky breath, I press the button for read-aloud.
DAMIEN
You like that one, huh?
Knew I was getting to you, Snowflake.
I sit bolt upright. What?
The message is like walking into a conversation midway, and I wait, expecting more context. When nothing comes, I swap my phone for my iPad, and a cold pocket opens beneath my ribcage.
I’ve hearted a post by accident.
My cheeks throb with embarrassment. It probably happened when Bryan interrupted, but that doesn’t go any way towards explaining why I was on Damien’s profile, especially not when I check the date.
The post isn’t from yesterday or last week, it’s six months old. I might as well shout in his face that I’m a sneaky perv.
OPHELIA
Just connecting so I could send through my quote
An excuse that won’t fool anyone. But a friend request pings, then a reply:
DAMIEN
Send away
Two words, and even through the robotic vocals, I can hear his smirk.
I accept the request and attach the summary from my current optometrist, the safer option.
But when I switch back to the app, Damien’s uploaded a photo from school today. His arm around Chelsea, her false smile filling the screen until her laughter echoes in my ears.
I remember his cold indifference as he stepped on my glasses. The blankness lurking behind his charming smile.
Two bullies mocking me. They deserve each other.
