Page 139 of The Song We Lost

Always them.

The door closes and I am alone.

I go to contacts.

Search.

Bailey.

Nothing.

Why don’t I have her number?

My chest tightens.

Think.

Think.

Who would have it?

Who…

My mind blanks and I don’t know how much time passes. I think the light in the room is different.

What was I doing?

I feel the weight of the phone in my hand, my heart beating too fast…

Rachel.

My thumb hovers.

Shakes.

Presses call.

It rings.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

I almost hang up.

Because what do I say?

What is there left to say?

Then…

“Hello?”

Rachel’s voice.

My throat closes.