April 5.
It’s been almost a year, but I still think about you every day and wish I could go back and do things diffenestg.
Differently*
That’s super sweet, but I think you have the wrong number.
Oh. Is this 6785552535?
Nope. Look again. You’re off a digit.
Oh man . . .
Well maybe its a sign . . .
DO uyou believe in signs, wrong number person?
I’m gonna go now. Sorry I’m not who you thought I was.
Wait, don’t go!
Pleasese
Please*. Sorry. Bub=mble thumbs,
Anyway, I know you don’t know me, but maybe it’s better like this.
Umm . . . what’s better like what?
I mean, texting you was an accident, right?
but like . . .
Maybe your who I was SUPPOSED to text? Because you don’t know me
And I clearkly need somebOdy to talk to.
Maybe the anonymousness is a presngt or something.
Present* Like a gift.
You there?
Heklo?’
Shit. Sorry. I’ve have too mich tp drink Shoula left my phone in my pocket.
Anonymity.
What?
The noun form of anonymous is anonymity.
Oh.
Yeah I think/ I mayhbe knew that
I get good grased in enhlish classes.
English*
Which Im;m clearly struggling to typa.
TYPE*
Jesus.
Uhhh . . . I’m not really sure what to say?
Never been an anonymous emotional support person before. But you are certainly in need of one.
HA! Well win u put it like that . . .
I hope that wasn’t offensive.
Nah, it’s ffine.
It’s not like you’re wrong. That’s baskiallhy what I asked for. Anaonymous emotional support person
Without ACTUALLY asking, by the way.
Just thought I’d point that out.
Omdeed!
Indeed.*
Who were you TRYING to reach by the way? If you don’t mind my asking . . .
My uhh . . . ex.
Ah.
Yeah.
And I take it things didn’t end well?
**takes another swim**
Swig*
First piece of anonymous, unsolicited advice:
Maybe don’t have any more to drink?
Touché anonymousness ananyomity friend
Are you at home by chance?
Nope. Friend’s house. Ragering party Snort.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone type out the word “snort” before.
U know what they say: First time for everything.
Thouagh Im never sure who “they” actually are.
Will you do me a favor?
I mean, you’re still talking to me
WOud ceetainly say I owe you one.
Certainly*
Don’t drive home.
Okay?
You there?
Yeah, I’m here.
Alright. I wonty.
You promise?
Hello?
Where’d you go?
Just fin/isned my drink.
Time for another 1.
[anonymous unsoliciyed advice DENIED!]
Okay.
Do you promise you won’t drive though?
Okay.
I prom,ose I won’y dribe,
Promise* I won’t*
drive.
Thank you.
Glad to hear it.
Okauy
I’m gonna go now.
Thanks for talking to me.
NI/ghty nite.
Copyright © 2023 by Nic Stone. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.