Page 54 of Third Time Lucky

Asher

How often do you think about him?

My chest fills with storm clouds, affecting my ability to breathe at the memory of him.

Lucy

Often. You?

Asher

Every day lately.

Lucy

Because of me?

Asher

Maybe? Truthfully, the survivor’s guilt is very much back – I feel like I ruined all our lives.

I pause, rereading his last message multiple times. Survivor’s guilt? He mentioned this the other night too, but I thought it was in the past. I knew he was there when the accident happened. Never once did I consider he felt guilty for living.

Lucy

I’m not ruined. I don’t think you are either. That accident was NOT your fault.

Asher

That’s what my therapist says too.

He’s going to therapy? That’s mature. I did, too, for a while.

Lucy

I’ve never blamed you. He wouldn’t either. That much I know.

Asher

Thx – I needed to hear that.

Lucy

Do you think he’s happy wherever he is?

Asher

Yeah. He’s probably laughing that we still have to deal with this world.

Lucy

LOL! And now it’s thrown us together in a way I never expected.

Asher

I suspected u were feeling this way. So, I just wanted to remind u that I’m always here to listen even when things seem complicated. Night, Lucy. See u tomorrow.

Tomorrow… the word dances in my mind, igniting a spark of excitement at seeing him again.

---