The Message
833 Words
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The Message
Everything changed because of a message.
It arrived on a Monday morning.
Amara was sitting at her desk, reviewing a design proposal when her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
She almost ignored it.
Then she opened it.
You should probably ask Daniel what happened last night.
Amara stared at the screen.
Her heart began beating faster.
Another message arrived.
Not everything is what it looks like.
She read it twice.
Then again.
She immediately called Daniel.
He answered.
“Hey.”
“Where were you last night?”
There was a pause.
“At home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Did anything happen?”
Daniel's voice changed.
“What do you mean?”
“I got a message.”
“What message?”
She read it to him.
Silence.
“Amara, I don't know who sent that.”
“Are you sure nothing happened?”
“Yes.”
“Daniel.”
“Amara, I was home.”
She closed her eyes.
She wanted to believe him.
She really did.
But the message had arrived at exactly the wrong time.
Her old fears were awake again.
Daniel could hear the uncertainty in her silence.
“I'll come over.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I need to think.”
“About what?”
“Everything.”
He sighed.
“Okay.”
The call ended.
Daniel immediately called Michael.
“Did you say anything about me last night?”
Michael sounded confused.
“What?”
“Anything about me moving on?”
There was silence.
Then Michael sighed.
“I may have.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
“What exactly did you say?”
“I was talking to a friend.”
“Michael.”
“I said you were serious about Amara.”
Daniel waited.
“And?”
“I said you were finally moving on.”
Daniel rubbed his forehead.
“Who did you tell?”
“Just someone I know.”
“Did you tell them anything else?”
“No.”
Daniel was quiet.
Michael's voice became serious.
“Daniel, I didn't send that message.”
“I know.”
“But someone may have misunderstood what I said.”
“That's the problem.”
Michael sighed.
“I'll find out what happened.”
Daniel ended the call.
At Amara's apartment, Tolu sat beside her on the couch.
“Do you believe him?”
Amara stared at her phone.
“I want to.”
“But?”
“I don't know.”
Tolu sighed.
“Amara, one anonymous message isn't evidence.”
“I know.”
“Then don't let it become evidence.”
Amara looked at her.
“You don't understand.”
“I do.”
“No.”
Amara's voice became quieter.
“The last time I ignored my instincts, I got hurt.”
Tolu softened.
“Your instincts are allowed to be wrong too.”
Amara didn't answer.
Tolu reached for her hand.
“You don't have to decide today.”
That evening, Daniel went to Amara's apartment.
She almost didn't open the door.
When she finally did, he stood outside.
He wasn't angry.
He looked tired.
“I don't know who sent the message,” he said.
Amara looked at him.
“I believe you.”
“Do you?”
She hesitated.
“I want to.”
Daniel nodded.
“I understand.”
“I hate feeling like this.”
“So do I.”
He stayed a few steps away.
“I could tell you everything I did yesterday.”
“I don't need a report.”
“I know.”
“Then what do you need?”
“Trust.”
She looked at him.
Daniel continued.
“But I know I can't demand it.”
Amara's eyes filled with emotion.
“I don't want to doubt you.”
“Then don't make a decision because you're afraid.”
She looked down.
“I don't know how.”
“Neither do I.”
He gave a small smile.
“But I'm trying.”
Silence.
Finally, Amara said,
“I need some time.”
Daniel nodded.
“Okay.”
“You're not angry?”
“I am.”
She looked surprised.
“Not at you.”
He took a breath.
“I'm angry that someone can send two messages and suddenly make you question everything we've built.”
Amara's eyes dropped.
“I know.”
“But I understand why you're scared.”
He stepped back.
“So I'll give you space.”
“Daniel.”
He looked at her.
“I'm not leaving because I don't care.”
Her heart tightened.
“I'm giving you space because I do.”
Then he walked away.
Amara closed the door slowly.
She leaned against it.
For months, Daniel had made her feel safe.
Now fear had entered the room.
And she didn't know whether fear was warning her about something real or simply reminding her of something old.
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