That was the problem now.
She didn’t need to be present to take space.
My phone buzzed on the bench.
Once.
Twice.
Then stopped.
I didn’t check it immediately.
Then I did.
Rowan.
you played like you were distracted today
I stared at it.
Then typed:
I wasn’t
Sent.
Three dots.
you were
I exhaled through my nose.
She was annoying.
Accurate.
Both.
you always watching me?
Pause.
Too long.
Then:
only when you’re bad athiding things
That landed.
Not loud.
Just… clean.
Too clean.
I locked my phone.
