Page 11 of Living for Truth
“I love you, too. Don’t hurt yourself trying to do it alone. You call if you need help.”
He scoffs. “I’m spry as a spring chicken. I still have many years left in me.”
I don’t believe him. His knees are both terrible, though he never uses his cane, but I don’t say that or point it out.
They’re the last to leave, and I help my mom clean up the remaining food, trash, and put the extra chairs and table leaf away. Then, I make my way down to my room to recharge my social battery before I work tomorrow.
I didn’t respond to Morgan’s last text—I wasn’t looking for a lecture from my mom about being glued to my phone—so I’m surprised to see another text from her.
Morgan:What do you do for work?
Morgan:Also, sorry if I’m bothering you. I could use somefriends, and you seem to be pretty chill, but please tell me to fuck off if you need me to lol.
Hannah:You’re not bothering me :) I could use a friend, too. Sorry I didn’t respond, I was at a family gathering lol.
Hannah:I’m a librarian. What about you?
Morgan:That’s cool! I own a flower shop.
Hannah:Really? That’s fun! What’s your shop name? How did you get into that?
Morgan:Fowler’s Flowers. Original, I know. I’ve always thought plants were cool, and I worked at a flower shop in high school. I like the language of flowers and wantedto be part of that.
Hannah:That’s very cute lol. The language of flowers?
Morgan:Thank you! Oh, yeah. Like red camellias are for romance, pink ones mean the person is longing for the other, and white means that person thinks you’re adorable.
Hannah:Wow. Who knew flowers could mean something other than “sorry I forgot our anniversary two days ago?”
Morgan:Has that… happened a lot?
Hannah:My ex only bought me flowers when he thought he messed up. And he always got me red roses because he thought they weremy favorite.
Morgan:At least he chose one that means love, I guess. If those aren’t your favorite, then what are?
Hannah:Sunflowers and daffodils.
Morgan:Ah, excellent choices. Sunflowers represent a long life and lasting happiness, and daffodils represent rebirth and new beginnings.
Hannah:Hm. Maybe if he’d gotten me sunflowers our relationship would have been happy, rather than depressing as fuck.
Morgan:lol maybe. I hope the next person you date brings you flowers you actually like.
Hannah:Thank you.
Morgan:It’s been good talking with you, Hannah. I’ve got an early morning tomorrow, so I’m going to go to sleep. Sweet dreams
I glance over at the clock and realize it’s almost ten. I’m usually asleep by now because I have the early shift at the library on Mondays.
Hannah:Thank you. You, too!
After I send the text, I put my phone on “do not disturb” and settle under the covers. I hope this friendship doesn’t fizzle out.
Chapter 4
Morgan
It’s been almost two weeks since I accidentally texted Hannah, and to be honest, I think I’m crushing a little on the stranger. I have no idea what she looks like, but—at least through text—she’s funny, witty, smart, and kind.
