At 2:13 a.m. I gave up and got out of bed.
My apartment was quiet.
Too quiet.
I opened the fridge, stared into it like it owed me answers, then shut it again.
Phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
you always this dramatic at night or just when you can’t sleep?
I stared at it.
Already knew.
Rowan.
Of course.
I typed back:
you always text people who are trying to sleep?
Three dots appeared instantly.
you’re not asleep
I leaned against the counter, exhaled through my nose.
She was right.
what do you want, Hayes?
A longer pause this time.
Long enough that I actually looked at the screen twice.
Then:
nothing
just confirming you’re annoying 24/7
I almost laughed out loud in an empty kitchen.
Almost.
Then:
confirmed
I sent it.
Three dots again.
Then:
