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Elsie

We probably would have sat in silence for a while if only my inbox hadn’t pinged almost immediately with a reply.

June 5 — 22 Weeks 5 Days, Papaya

You are my business, Elsie.

Please don’t shut me out like this.

M

18 days

Zuri’s voice is even and nonjudgmental when she reads me the message, but her face is full of pity.

Instead of trying to muster the energy to send another response, Zuri lets me off the hook for a little while, and we order delivery for two before curling up on the couch to watch something on TV.

My now charged phone sits on the coffee table before us, surrounded by takeout boxes, but I still jump when the screen lights up, and it pings with a new email.

The food, company, and comfort shows were just starting to pull me out of my dark headspace, but all I needed to bring back those feelings fit perfectly in the email preview notification on my phone screen.

June 5 — 22 Weeks 5 Days, Papaya

I’ll let you have until Monday, then. Then I need you to talk to me. If you don’t, I’ll call Mamá.

M

17 days

10:59 p.m. on Monday, I’m restless and awake when my phone, which I’ve kept charged this time to stay in touch with my keepers, pings with a new email.

June 10 — 23 Weeks 3 Days, Grapefruit

Elsie. Talk to me.

M

13 days

Frustration and anger boil up, and I tap out a sharp reply. Hoping I can stop things in their tracks.

June 11 — 23 Weeks 4 Days, Grapefruit

Stop it with your fucking countdown. I’ll see you when you’re home.

Elsie

June 11 — 23 Weeks 4 Days, Grapefruit

Okay. No countdown, but you have to talk to me.

I’ve arranged with my crew boss to do a video call at 8 p.m. tomorrow. It might be a little spotty because we don’t have the best reception, but it’s something.

I need to see you, make sure you’re okay.

M

June 11 — 23 Weeks 4 Days, Grapefruit

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