Page 84 of On the Edge

……that was oddly specific

Henri

Delete these messages.

Atlas

is your name even Henri

Henri

My name is Dvorák Alžbeta Drobny but this is confidential. I will now have to kill you.

Atlas

stop it right now I can’t fucking stand you

Henri

Atlas, this is only a joke. You must learn to not take things so serious.

Atlas

oh my god

Henri

I tried to make up the most crazy of names.

Atlas

you succeeded

I’ma little ashamed of the smile on my face as I sit on my bed and text back and forth with Henri. People who grin at theirphones are idiotic. But it’s impossible not to, especially when Henri’s in this goofy sort of mood. He always seems so hesitant to tell jokes—like he’s worried people won’t pick up on the humor—so when he does, it feels like a rare, special treat.

Henri

German they teach in school here is different than German we speak in Germany. It will be interesting.

Atlas

huh so like it’s proper german but you speak slang?

Henri

Perhaps? We are only in the third week, I will have to keep you informed.

Atlas

god yes what the hell will I do without german class updates

Henri

And you? How are classes going? You have told me nothing of what you are studying this semester.

Atlas

well, I decided to go heavy on the art courses

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