I picked the phone back up from the carpet, my heart still racing, and deleted the message from the unknown number.
I didn't want to look at it. I didn't want it to be real. I needed to drown out that cold voice with someone who truly cared for me. And I know exactly who that might be.
I went back to the chat with Selima. The three little dots were finally dancing.
Selima: Girl, I’m still awake! I’ve been staring at my phone waiting for you to check in. Well??? How was the ‘study session’? Did the elusive Uriel finally break?
I felt a ghost of a smile tug at my lips. Trust Selima to jump straight to the point. I flopped onto my bed, hugging a pillow to my chest, the scent of him still faintly clinging to my skin.
Me: Selima... it was more than a study session. It actually happened. Ev
