Page 108 of Skeletons in the Closet

I needed a minute to get my bearings, but the room was too blurry and wobbly.

I gave up, rested my head on the carpeted office floor, and closed my eyes. I would take a second. Just a quick minute. Then I’d sort myself out.

Sleep dragged me under, but I jolted before it could take me completely. I was supposed to call Diem. Where was my phone?

Dizzy and with waning energy, I somehow managed to pull myself upright using the edge of the desk. I searched the surface for my phone, slapping a hand around when I couldn’t see well enough to locate it. When my fingers connected with the familiar plastic case, I dragged it toward me.

In a flash, I was back to lying on the floor.

Fumbling, head aching, groggy, dizzy, and too tired to make sense of the situation, I somehow managed to pull up my contacts. I had to hold the phone inches from my face to see it. Mom’s name peered back at me.

Why am I calling Mom again?

Did she invite me for supper?

That’s a good idea. I have no food in the fridge.

Before I could tap her name, Diem’s profile caught my eye. His number sat at the top of the list under my mother’s. Seeing it jarred a memory.

Something’s wrong.

Call Diem.

I’d saved his name under favorites. We didn’t talk a lot, but I wished we did.

He didn’t like touching people.

I just want you to touch me. I don’t think you’re ugly.

What am I doing?

“Call Diem,” I said out loud. My voice sounded strange, like it was far, far away.

I tapped his name and left a smear of blood on the screen. My face was wet. Why was my face wet? I touched it and discovered more blood.

Oh god.Was I bleeding?

Was I hurt?

What was happening?

Ringing.

My phone was ringing. I had to answer it but couldn’t make sense of anything, and all I could do was stare at the device in my hand.

No. Wait.Iwas making a call.

A raspy grunt answered, and I huffed a halfhearted laugh. “You’re like, grr, I’m a bear.”

“What the fuck are you calling me for?”

“I’m not scared of you, and you’re not ugly, and I just wish you’d touch me.”

“What… What are you talking about?”

“I’m so tired. My stupid migraine came back.” I whimpered. “I think I’m bleeding.”

“Tallus, you’re not making sense.”

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