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But she’s at the hospital, and she might be there all night. Meanwhile her note’s burning a hole in my pocket. Those unread words are scorching my brain. To distract myself, I head to the bonfire to help out Clive and Maddie. After that, I’ll wait up for Tess. As long as it takes.
I’ll wait for her.
* * *
ME:Hey T-Time. I hope everything is going well at the hospital. No need to reply. I’m sure you’re busy. Just checking in.
ME: In case you’re wondering, I didn’t read your note yet. I was tempted, but you asked me to wait and then … well. I’ve got a lot to tell you.
ME: Seriously, though. I have so much to tell you.
ME: By the way, I saved a couple of hotdogs for when you get back, in case you’re hungry. (You do like hotdogs better than burgers, right?) No rush though. I just wanted you to know there will be food here. For you. That I saved.
ME: Also we missed you at the bonfire. I missed you at the bonfire. No one does The Conductor song like you do. But everything is fine. So. Take your time. Like I said before. No rush.
ME:It’s late now, and all the kids and counselors are asleep. So I’ll stop texting now. I just really hope you’re good. I hope Brooke and the baby are safe. I hope Mac is a proud papa again. I hope everyone is happy and all is right with the world.
ME: I read your note.
ME: Now I can’t sleep. I’ll be waiting up in the dining hall when you get back. Whenever you get back. No rush.
I hit send, then set my phone on the table next to her note. I can’t sit still, wondering what she meant. Another quick check outside the dining hall confirms the ranch is dark and quiet. Except for the crickets’ chirp and the moonlight.
Back inside, there’s nothing but me and the hum and glow of fluorescent lights. I sit and squint at the note again, running my hands along the paper, edge to edge. Like if I get out all the wrinkles, I might understand her intent. As it turns out, all the smoothing in the world doesn’t clarify her message. It’s just one sentence.
Four scrawled words.
I changed my mind.
