You okay? We haven’t heard from you and wanted to make sure you were alright.
We sit together, waiting for a response, when finally the chat bubbles pop up.
Cotton Candy
Yeah, I’m sick. Stay away. The plague lives here.
Landon and I share a look, and he grins. “Dramatic, that one.”
“Must be the artist thing,” I say, shaking my head with a laugh.
Me
I doubt it’s the plague. Do you needanything?
Cotton Candy
I could use some more medicine, but I’ll order it to be delivered. You don’t need to be around me. Either of you.
Landon frowns. “I don’t like the idea of them being sick by themself.”
“No. Me neither.”
Cotton Candy
I’m serious. Don’t even think about showing up. Death lives in my walls. It’s black and gray and nasty and disgusting. You don’t want it. I’m trying to save you here.
I sigh. Getting sick during football season wouldn’t be ideal, but I do have a pretty good immune system, and honestly, I don’t care. Being around Parker is worth getting sick for, but I also want to respect their boundaries.
Landon nudges me. “Text them and tell them if they change their mind and need us, to let us know.”
I type another message.
Me
Okay, but if you need us, please text.
Cotton Candy
Go do something fun. Make out for a while or something. Think of me while you do.
Cotton Candy
No. Don’t do that.
Cotton Candy
Yes, make out. No, think of me.
Landon reads the messages over my shoulder, then lets out a nervous laugh. “I hope they’re alright.”
I frown, blinking down at the message. “Me too.”
Cotton Candy
God, I don’t feel good :(
Worry washes over me.
