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“Idono.”

“Alright, why do you think they need it?”

“Need what?”

“This particular advice.”

“Idono.”

“What do think either version of you is possibly facing?”

Sucking his teeth is followed by giving his manly vest a sharp tug. “Idono.”

Wow.

Turns out Mr. Says All The Right Things can be at a loss for the supposed right words.

That should make me relieved, not remorseful.

Sad.

Hurt that he’s hurt when hurting him was never – would never – be on my agenda.

Afterall, he’s still a student.

And I’m still a teacher.

The goal is to help, not harm.

“You know…if it were me…and I was writing myself a letter…” gently placing the paper down on the desk is executed without looking away, “and this is strictly for the sake of this conversation,” I point a playful, scolding finger in his direction, “I better not end up trending on like Rabbit for this…”

“Reddit.”

“That either.”

“Swear,” he says, unknowingly making my toes curls.

“I – personally – would write to future me.”

“Why?”

“Because I like to believe in my heart of hearts that she’s braver and wiser and more adventurous than current me.”

“Yeah?”

“Ohyeah,” excitedly escapes before I can stop it. “I would write to her and tell her all the things I think she should do if she hasn’t done them already.”

Curiosity curls the ends of his lips. “Like?”

“Talk to the hematologist about actually getting a tattoo rather than saying ‘next time’ every time.”

“I know an artist.”

“I’m sure you do,” I sassily retort, finger reaching across to feather the ropes that are tangled around an emblem bearing a royal skull, swords, and the words Avallone Misfits. “Damn good one considering how detailed this design is.”

Faint groans manage to reach my ears prompting me to send my fingers back to my lap where they belong. “What would you get?”

From touching him?