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I look down.

Chaos.

Of course.

I open it.

It's a picture of her kitchen counter covered with the ridiculous groceries from the store.

The cantaloupe sits in the middle. Count Chocula beside it. Crackers. Pickles. Pudding. Ranch. A single banana.

Alibi's nose appears at the bottom of the photo.

Chaos: Dinner is served.

I stare at it.

Then another message arrives.

Chaos: Don't worry. I didn't buy the hemorrhoid cream.

Despite myself, I laugh. One short fucking laugh.

Then my eyes move back to Mercer's photograph. The amusement disappears.

Two worlds.

And they're suddenly way too fucking close together.

Me: Stay home tonight.

Three dots appear immediately.

Chaos: Bossy.

Me: I'm serious.

The dots disappear.

Then return.

Chaos: Everything okay?

I stare at the question.

No. Not anymore.

Me: Yes.

The lie comes easily.

It always has.

Chaos: Okay, James.

I should correct her.

But I don't.