Page 13 of Below the Shadow of the City

It seems crazy.

I’m just very private.

Truly not a serial killer, if I was I’d be a terrible one.

And considering I don’t know what you look like either, who’s to say you aren’t a serial killer?

I’ll keep you on your toes then.

And, fine.

No name, no pictures.

Can I at least get a few descriptors?

I don’t see why not.

Eye color?

Blue.

Hair color?

Brown.

Height?

Tall. :)

Weight?

You never ask a lady that!

Ugh fine lol.

Teeth?

White?

And you have all of them?

Last I checked.

Beard?

One could say I have a monstrous amount of facial hair.

Weird way of saying it, I think. I realize it’s almost two in the morning at this point, I’m nearly dozing off on the couch, I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s doing the same. No witty reply to his answer comes to mind, so I tuck my phone away for the night.

But, at least the portrait can be painted. If I were in a cartoon, there would be two miniature Sigrids sitting on my shoulder. The one in a red devil suit tells me to stop getting so attached. He’s going to disappear, just like the others have. Don’t suck him into your sad little vortex. The other mini Sigrid, dressed like an angel, settles onto my shoulder comfortably. Don’t you want to find out if he’s different?

CHAPTER 5

SUNDAY, EARLY SEPTEMBER

My phone vibrates in my hand. The name on the caller ID is one I recognize, but this is a first. “Adam” and I have texted for the last week, almost constantly. But phone calls are new. And he’s the one initiating it. I try not to act too excited, this probably means nothing at all. It could be a butt dial for all I know. I’m staring at it too long, I have to act quickly.

I swipe the bar across the bottom of my screen. “Hello?”