Page 48 of Tied

Tell me about the backpack. You had it that day I found you. You always have it.

He went from smiley faces to something so deeply personal and hard to talk about that I don’t even know how to begin to explain. I suppose I did the same to him, though, asking about his voice and the decorated trees, and he answered me.

My favorite books are in it. I read them every day when I was little, before I was kidnapped. I had it with me the day he took me. He let me keep it, and I kept reading them every day. I had nothing else. Maybe it’s silly but the books made me feel safe. I made myself believe I was part of the stories.

A few seconds go by, and he replies.

Tyler

That’s not silly. Not at all. We all need something to help us escape.

They still make me feel safe. I feel unsettled without them with me all the time.

I read the text back to myself, and I’m afraid I sound like a weirdo.

It’s hard to explain.

Tyler

You explained it perfectly. Now I understand.

I let out a small breath of relief.

Tyler

I get another question.

Okay.

I brace myself for what could be next. I had no idea texting could be so stressful.

Tyler

Do you want to see Poppy tomorrow?

Smiling, I type back quickly:

Does Poppy want to see me?

Tyler

You can’t answer a question with a question. It’s in the texting rulebook.

Ah, he has a sense of humor.

I would like to see Poppy.

Tyler

He says to be ready at noon. That a good time?

Yes

Tyler

We’ll pick you up :-)

Still smiling, I keep my eyes on the screen, waiting to see if he sends something else. How do people end texts? Am I supposed to say goodbye? Send another smiley face? Send a different face? I fall asleep with the phone in my hand and dream of sky-blue eyes.

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