Page 95 of Cold Front

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Instead, I tapped the chat before I could overthink it, staring at the screen like it might bite.

I hesitated for another beat, then typed.

Me: Hey.

It looked pathetic on its own, so I added to it.

Me: I know I’ve been MIA. I’m sorry. I should’ve reached out sooner.

The read receipts popped up immediately. Then the typing bubbles. One disappeared. Came back. Disappeared again. My stomach twisted.

Then—

Sasha: HOLY SHIT. He lives.

Milo: Call the press.

Zoe: I thought you died.

Me: Wow, okay. Good to see you guys too.

Christon: No, seriously. Did my phone glitch and pull up a message from 2023? Or did Chase finally murder Eli and steal his identity?

I blinked at the screen. Then, against all odds, I laughed.

Me: No murder. Just a really shitty relationship decision that turned into two shitty years.

A beat passed before another message popped up.

Milo: So… you’re saying you’re single now?

Me: That’s what you got out of that?

Sasha: I think what Milo means to say is: thank god. That guy sucked.

Zoe: Yeah, we weren’t gonna say anything at the time, but since you’ve had a moment of clarity?—

Christon: He was an asshole, bro. Straight up. He isolated you. We tried, but it was like you didn’t even see it happening.

My throat tightened. Ihadn’tseen it happening. Or maybe I had, but I’d been too worn down to stop it. Either way, I’d let it happen.

Me: I know. And I’m sorry. For disappearing. For being a shitty friend. You guys didn’t deserve that.

The chat went quiet for a second. Then?—

Zoe: You WERE a shitty friend.

Milo: 100%.

Christon: Trash.

Sasha: Absolute garbage.

I huffed out a laugh, shaking my head.

Me: I’m not asking for a free pass. Just… I want to fix things. If you’ll let me.

Another pause. Then:

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