Page 33 of Out in the Country

HAYDEN: I think like 17

HAYDEN: DO NOT RUIN IT

SORREN: I need you to read faster

SORREN: This is why I do things alone

HAYDEN: Lie to me and tell me you don’t like our buddy reads

SORREN: …

HAYDEN: That’s what I thought

SORREN: I don’t hate it

HAYDEN: Aww I love you too!

SORREN: That’s not what I said

HAYDEN: But it’s what you meant

SORREN: You get that thing taken care of yet?

HAYDEN: I can’t believe you called it a THING!

SORREN: You’re yelling again

HAYDEN: You deserved it. Also I’m working on it.

HAYDEN: I’m so nervous.

HAYDEN: (gif of someone deep breathing into a paper bag)

SORREN: It’s going to be great

HAYDEN: You’re right

SORREN: Why is everyone always surprised by that?

HAYDEN: It’s because you never smile

SORREN: And we’re off topic—finish the book and take care of the thing.

HAYDEN: Aye, aye captain!

SORREN: Don’t do that

HAYDEN: (blowing kiss emoji)

17

EVERETT

“Seriously, you have one last chance to cut the shit.” Hank’s voice cuts through my daydream like a knife in hot butter.

“I said I’m fine.”

“Your funeral,” he mutters, but I can’t even dwell on what that means because my entire fucking world feels off-kilter.

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