Page 27 of Strum Me

“What’s the point?” I ask.

“Because what’ve you got to lose?”

***

Went out for our hangover cure. Came back to find Silas there.I’m leaving on tour. Not sure when coming back. Not asking you to come with. Just asking you to come say goodbye. We leave from King’s at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Don’t reply if you’re not coming. Just be there. Please. That night with you was the best moment of my entire life.

The buzz tells me that the text message is sent.

***

Sebastian tugs on my sleeve. “We gotta go, buddy.”

I don’t move, my eyes scanning the station. “Just...please, just one more minute.”

Jez comes up behind Sebastian, and picks up the suitcase at my feet. “She’s not coming, mate. We gotta go, we can’t miss another train.”

I squeeze my eyes shut and shake my head. I know they’re right.

“I’m sorry, B,” Jez says, his arm coming up around my shoulder.

“I thought she would come,” I say, before taking one last look, then letting my friends lead me onto the train.

“I know, man. I did too. I’m sorry.”

I really thought she would come.