Page 57 of Revive Me

Bubbles form immediately.

Roman: I didn’t think I was THAT bad today

It should be scarier how quickly Roman can make me smile.

Liliana: Not that. I’m watching Hereditary.

Liliana: I just started it and I’m already planning my revenge on you for making me watch this

Roman: Ah come on, it’s not that bad

Liliana: Yes it is. Why are old ladies so scary?

Roman: Ok yea you’re not wrong about that. They really are the most effective way to ratchet the fear factor.

Liliana: I’m going to have to picture sweet little Grandma Davis to get through this

Liliana: Also what is with the damn clicking?

Roman: Lol just keep watching

I still don’t have an answer to my question, but twenty minutes later…

Liliana: ROMAN WHAT THE FUCK

Roman: Hahahaha I was waiting for the all caps

Roman: That movie is insane on so many levels

Liliana: …I hate you.

Roman: Lmao now that text makes sense

I only make it another half hour before I throw all caution to the wind and clickCall.

He picks up on the first ring, already laughing.

“How you doing, Doc?”

“This is no laughing matter, Roman Ward,” I whisper-yell. “This movie has every single thing I’m themostscared of. I’ve been watching through my fingers for the past five minutes.”

That only makes him laugh harder. It’s a sound I’ve heard before, but not like this. This is abellylaugh. And it’s the happiest I’ve ever heard him.

“It’s the mom, isn’t it?” he asks.

“Yes!How is it possible that everything she does makes me physically uncomfortable? And what the fuck is with the sleepwalking?”

“Yeah, she freaks me the fuck out, too,” he says, chuckling. “I couldn’t watch Toni Collette in anything else after this, because as soon as she popped up on the screen, a chill would run through me.” I hear shuffling in the background. “Can you pause and tell me your minute maker?”

My eyebrows pinch. “Are you watching it right now?”

“Yeah. I put it on when you texted me. I kind of know where you are, but if we’re both watching, we might as well sync up.”

I grumble, reaching for the remote. “You just want to anticipate my screams.”

I can hear his grin through the phone. “You know me too well.”

“Just so you know, this counts as extra credit on my end of our deal. I’m going to put you through the workout of hell the next time I see you.”

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