Page 21 of The Accidental Text

(480)555-1058:Sorry. My mom died three days ago. It was sudden.

My heart clenches. I sit back down on the edge of my bed. I know that awful feel-like-you-can’t-get-a-good-breath part. I know it so well.

Maggie:I’m so sorry

(480)555-1058:Thanks. I’m sorry to text you like this. I feel kinda lost.

Maggie:I get it

I run my tongue over my lips, looking down at my phone. I feel almost a responsibility right now, which is ridiculous. This is a complete stranger. But I know that desperation. I know exactly how he’s feeling. All too well.

Maggie:How old was she?

It was always helpful to talk about my mom after she died. When people who didn’t know her wanted to know more, telling her story, or even just a tiny part of it, helped. It still does.

(480)555-1058:59

Only a year older than my mom. My heart does that clenching thing again. Too young. That’s too young to die.

Maggie:My mom was 58

(480)555-1058:Gone too soon

Maggie:Yes

The three dots are back.

(480)555-1058:This is weird. I’m sorry. I feel out of my mind. I was thinking of the texts you sent, and I just had thisthought to text you. This is probably not what you need right now. Thanks for writing me back.

(480)555-1058:I won’t bother you again.

I take a breath. I could let him go. I could just send him a heart emoji or something like that and just be done. I could do that …

Maggie:A couple of weeks

(480)555-1058:??

Maggie:It took me about two weeks to feel like I could really breathe again.

(480)555-1058:Okay. Two weeks.

Maggie:It’s different for everyone, though.

(480)555-1058:Not very helpful ;)

I smile at the winking emoji he added to the text. I like a person who can find humor, even in horrible, life-changing situations.

Maggie:Would be nice if they could give you a magic pill to get you through the hard stuff.

(480)555-1058:I can see why people turn to other stuff to cope.

Maggie:Gotta be careful of that

(480)555-1058:Right

Maggie:What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.

(480)555-1058:Car accident

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