Chapter 22: New rival
Ani steps out of her house, the fatigue clearly visible under her eyes.
Dark shadows linger beneath them, evidence that she didn't get any sleep last night.
Her mind had been consumed with the anticipation of a message from Adam, a notification that never came.
Now, a blend of anger and frustration stirs within her. As she walks, she tells herself firmly, "I won't message him. He clearly didn't think it was important enough to message me."
But just as she vows to ignore him, memories of their shared mornings come flooding back.
They had been walking to school together every day, and that habit was hard to break.
Without thinking much, she pulls out her phone, her fingers hovering over the screen.
Despite her earlier resolve, she types out a simple "Hello" and presses send.
Her mind races, rationalizing, 'I'm just texting to check where he is. That's all.'
Yet, the frustration resurfaces, and she exclaims aloud, "What am I even doing?! I was angry at him, and now here I am, sending him a message!"
Exasperated, she finds herself sending another "Hello," and this time, closing her eyes, she taps the send button.