(9:23pm) Unknown Number: The part of me that hopes this is a fake number couldn't sleep tonight. So here is a message to you, Louise. Or maybe not Louise. This might just be a number you've stolen from Craigslist. Either way, I need you to put me out of my misery so I can stop having these strange dreams
(9:26pm) Louise: Sorry, who is this?
(9:28pm) Unknown Number: Never mind. This is the worst idea I've ever had. Goodnight, strange person
(9:30pm) Louise: Wow. If this is who I think it is, then I'm more surprised to know that you're in bed this early on a Friday night than anything else
(9:31pm) Unknown Number: Sigh. Yep, this is definitely you. I'd be shocked if you were a stranger. And if you are — what an immaculate impersonation of Louise!
(9:31pm) Louise: Did you just type out 'sigh'? And how many tries did it take you to spell immaculate? Be honest
(9:32pm) Unknown Number: Just one. I'm a gifted typist
(9:32pm) Unknown Number: Also, how could you tell that it was me?
(9:33pm) Louise: Your messages have a distinct Henry quality to them
(9:33pm) Henry: Ah. It seems I've been foiled by technology
(9:33pm) Louise: Do you even own a phone?
(9:33pm) Henry: Of course I do. My 2006 Motorola flip phone works wonderfully
(9:34pm) Louise: Oh, WOW. I really hope that was a joke
(9:34pm) Henry: It was
(9:34pm) Louise: Good. I mean I knew you were an antique, but...
(9:35pm) Henry: How dare you. I take high offense
(9:35pm) Louise: High offense notwithstanding, aren't you too young to be going to bed this early?
(9:35pm) Henry: Not everyone's the thriving social butterfly you so happen to be. My knees are old and rickety. I take my blood pressure medication and watch an episode of M.A.S.H before bed, just like every other 26 year old
(9:36pm) Henry: Also, I happen to be a dreadful sleeper
(9:36pm) Louise: You also happen to be a dirty liar. I've seen you out and about at night, all over town, and no word about liking M.A.S.H has ever left your mouth!
(9:37pm) Louise: Are you sure you're doing the sleeping thing correctly?
(9:38pm) Henry: Are you asking me if I know how sleeping works? That which I've been doing since my birth?
(9:38pm) Louise: Yes. That is what I'm asking
(9:39pm) Henry: ...
(9:39pm) Louise: ...
(9:40pm) Henry: You make a good point. Maybe I'm just not doing it right
(9:41pm) Louise: Ahh, see? The truth always has a way of coming out
(9:52pm) Louise: Henry?
(9:56pm) Henry: I'm here. Beg pardon
(9:56pm) Henry: You're a dreadfully quick texter. I'm struggling to keep up, what with these arthritic fingers of mine
(9:57pm) Louise: You're going to have to step up your game. I have Gen Z fingers myself. Evolutionary adaptation has built in these little dips in my pinky fingers, which help my phone sit more comfortably in my hand. Neat, right?
YOU ARE READING
Into the Velvet
Teen Fiction*EDITORS' CHOICE 2021*After falling for her senior year teacher, Louise learns a harsh lesson on what adulthood isn't. Louise has some trauma to unpack. Heartbreak's a bitch, and her first relationship had been anything but normal. Thinking herself...
