My Unknown Listener

Part 1 Unknown Number

I don’t even know why I’m telling you all this. You don’t even reply. Maybe it’s stupid, but it helps, I guess... just knowing someone might read it. Anyway, I should get back to work. Thanks for listening... if you’re even there.”

You finished typing and hit send before you could think twice about it. Just as you put your phone down, a customer walked up to the counter, placing a few items on it.

Customer : “Good evening,” the customer said, giving you a small smile.

You : “Good evening,” you replied, trying to push away your heavy thoughts as you scanned their items. “Did you find everything okay?”

Customer : “Yeah, no problems at all. Just grabbing some late-night snacks,” they said, glancing at the chips and soda they had picked out.

You : You nodded. “Good choice. These chips are really popular,” you said, trying to force a small smile.

The customer chuckled. “Guess I have good taste then.”

You handed them their receipt. “Have a nice night,” you said, your voice is soft.

Customer : “Thanks. You too,” the customer replied, grabbing their bag and heading out the door.

As they left, you sighed again, the store falling quiet once more.

The store was quiet again. You stared at the door where the customer had just left, the faint ding of the bell still ringing in your ears. Your phone sat on the counter, screen dimmed, as you absentmindedly tapped your fingers on the side of it.

________

You had sent so many messages to that unknown number over the past few weeks, but it was always the same—no response. You were used to it now, though it didn’t stop a part of you from hoping that maybe, just maybe, today would be different.

Just as you were about to tuck your phone away, it buzzed, lighting up the screen. You froze, staring at it in disbelief. A reply?

Your heart skipped a beat as you hesitantly picked it up, opening the message. For a moment, you didn’t even know how to react. After weeks of silence, there were three simple words on the screen:

Unknown: You shouldn't expect from others , it'll hurt less ...

You blinked, rereading the message, unsure if you were imagining it. Your fingers hovered over the keyboard, not sure what to say. Why now? And who was this person who finally decided to respond after all this time?

Before you could think of a reply, the door dinged again. Another customer walked in, making their way toward the back of the store. You slipped your phone into your pocket, your mind still reeling from the sudden message.

The customer approached the counter a few minutes later, setting down a bottle of water and a magazine.

Customer: "Hey there, long day?" they asked casually, noticing the tired look on your face.

You: "Yeah, you could say that," you replied, trying to shake off the confusion from the text. "Just a lot on my mind."

Customer: "I get that. Sometimes a good drink and a distraction helps," they said, tapping the magazine with a grin.

You: "Maybe I should try that," you said with a soft laugh, scanning their items.

Customer: "Hope things get better for you. Hang in there," they added, their tone kind as they took their bag and left.

You watched them go, your thoughts drifting back to the message on your phone. Slipping it out of your pocket again, you stared at the screen, fingers trembling as you typed a quick response: