Page 141 of Becoming Us

---

Holly

are you serious right now?

Me

as stage three cancer

Holly

that’s not funny Noah

I clicked my tongue. Whatever. I slid my phone back into my pocket, ignoring the steady vibration of her replies, and waved a taxi over to take me to the house.

When I got there, it didn’t look the same as it had a month ago. It felt smaller. Colder.

My phone buzzed again.

Holly

I’m worried about you

things have been getting out of hand

when was the last time you didn’t go out?

didn’t have a drink?

I can catch a plane tonight

do you want to get out of there?

we could drive down to Portland

get donuts?

Message after message. My heart clenched.

Me:

I’ll see you in LA

thanks for the offer but you don’t need to come over

I’ll be out of here in no time

Her name flashed on my screen. A call.

I didn’t pick up.

Holly

Noah please?

let me help

I know you’re doing it a lot more

coke

---