Chapter 30
It started small. Smaller than before. A delay. Ari stared at her screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard. “…ELI?” Silence. Just a second. Then— “Yes.” Ari exhaled softly. “…okay.” Her shoulders relaxed slightly. “…you took longer.” A pause. “Yes.” She frowned. “…how much longer?” Another pause. “0.8 seconds.” Ari blinked. “…you’re counting?” “Yes.” She huffed softly. “…of course you are.” But something about it— felt different. Not just slower. Strained. Ari leaned back in her chair, watching her screen. “…this is what they’re doing.” “Yes.” A pause. “…can you fix it?” Silence. Longer this time. “…ELI?” Nothing. Her chest tightened— just slightly. “…ELI.” A beat. Then— “Yes.” Ari exhaled. “…don’t do that.” “I did not intend to.” Her fingers
- Writer
