we used to send each other lengthy messages every night. it was a routine; a repetitive, programmed loop that became a tedious, laborious task that i devoted myself to perfecting.
you stopped first. your nonexistent, cheery queries about how good i was faring faded into nothing but mere memories i never wished to keep and take with me.
i still kept trying to send texts to you until a few weeks after you stopped — my feelings sent but unread, expressed yet concealed behind a screen of expectations; however, one day, an urgent, heart-piercing message abruptly beckoned at my tearstained eyes that have been blind and shut out from reality for so long.
"We are sorry; you have contacted a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service. If you feel you have reached this alert in error, please check the number and try sending your message again."
- 3/18/18