Page 78 of Burning for May


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The first message at the top is from Finn.

A small jolt moves through me when I see his name.

I tap the thread.

9:00 A.M.:

Finn:

Good morning beautiful

It’s well past noon now.

I stare at the message for a moment, thumb hovering over the keyboard, trying to figure out what to say this many hours later. Nothing feels right—not rushed, not thoughtful enough—so I close the thread and tell myself I’ll answer later.

The next thread is the ongoing chat I have with my sisters.

There are several unread messages, all from April.

8:00 A.M.:

April:

Wakey wakey, Cinderella, what happened last night?

8:45 A.M.:

April:

Hello?

9:30 A.M.:

April:

May, you’re lucky you’re still sharing your location or I’d be calling the local authorities. I see you are at a blueberry farm, according to Google Maps, and I remember you said you were going with your fireman boyfriend. Please let me know you’re alive at your earliest convenience.

10:15 A.M.:

April:

Juney girl, if you don’t answer your phone, I will be calling your boss.

I laugh under my breath.

Me:

I am so sorry, I’ve had a very busy morning. I’m okay, I’m safe, I am back home.

The typing bubble appears almost immediately.

April:

Oh thank God

A second later,

April: