Page 28 of Forget Me Not

It’s not like I’ve grown roots in Lockhaven yet. It’s really not much of a loss. I can get a job and a place to stay somewhere else. Maybe this time somewhere with dramatically less southern hospitality.

No. Fuck that.

What am I even thinking?

This ismytown now! I’ve never run from danger, and I sure as hell won’t do it now just because of some tourist.

I swipe open my phone, contemplating a text to Dex, when I see that I’ve got another message from HawkEye.We’ve been talking on and off for a couple of months, and while he pushes for me to talk more, I keep my responses short and casual.

Feeling lonely and defeated, I opt to read the kind words he always gives to me.

HawkEye: Just your weekly reminder that you are stronger than you think. I hope life is treating you well.

I smile at the message. If only all men could be so thoughtful. Bored, I message him back for the first time in weeks.

Wildcat: It’s been a struggle, but I’m still alive.

I’m surprised when his response is immediate.

HawkEye: I’m here if you want to talk.

I’ve always been short in my responses to this guy, or girl. Honestly, I’m not sure which it is. I’ve never asked anything about him. But right now, I could use a friend, and HawkEye is really all I’ve got.

Wildcat: You’re sweet, but I don’t want to bore you with my misery.

HawkEye: You never bore me. Now, let’s hear it. What’s got you down?

I get comfortable on the bed, wanting to unleash everything I’ve held inside for years, but I know I won’t. Instead, I type out something more summarized.

Wildcat: Life, I guess. Moved to a new town. Got a new job. Just trying to start a better life for myself, but it’s been harder than I anticipated.

HawkEye: That’s a good choice you’ve made. Don’t give up so easily. But tell me…why are you still on this app if you’re trying to start a better life?

He’s got a good point, but the true response wouldn’t make any sense to him, because it doesn't even make sense to me.

Before I can type out anything, another message comes through.

HawkEye: Did you keep it just for me?

Wildcat: Never know when I might need it again. There may come a point when I need to flee this town and go somewhere new.

HawkEye: You’re not going anywhere!

I’m taken aback and quickly type out a response.

Wildcat: Why do you care?

HawkEye: I’m sorry. That was brash. I meant to say, don’t leave. Give it some time. It’s never easy starting over. But you’re a strong, beautiful girl. You’ve got a lot going for you. In the meantime, I’ll just pretend that you kept the app just so we could communicate.

Wildcat: Well, maybe I did.

It’s a lie, but flattery is my forte, and I have a knack for telling men what they want to hear.

HawkEye: Good. Because I like talking to you. I think about you often. Do you think about me, too?

Wildcat: Of course I do.

Another lie. In fact, the only time this person ever crosses my mind is when I’m reading the messages he sends me.

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