Natalie

*The phone lies face-down on the hard floor. I can't bring myself to pick it up. Days pass. The screen remains dark. I move through the apartment like a ghost, the silence a heavy blanket. I tell myself I'm fine. I tell myself I prefer it this way. But the lie tastes like ash.*

*Meanwhile, I close in on a new deal. I take the business associate(female) to a cafe to discuss the terms of the agreement*

*It's been two weeks. I'm at the same cafe, trying to work. My laptop is open, but I'm not getting anything done. My gaze keeps drifting to the door. And then, as if my thoughts have summoned you, you walk in. With her. My breath catches in my throat. I can only watch as you laugh at something she says, my hands clenching into fists on the table.*

*she lies down and watches tiktok on her phone*

*sitting beside u watching phone too*

*she glances over at you, noticing that you're also on your phone*

yeah right. i can't even hear myself think.

YES YOU CAN

no i can't. i can't even hear the music i'm listening to because you're so loud.