Page 29 of Wicked Games

Eden:how’s your head?

I settle on the couch, my feet on the coffee table, and open our text thread.

Felix: better

She reads the text right away, and the little bubbles appear as she answers.

Eden: that’s good

Eden: maybe you’re over the worst of it?

Felix: I think so

Eden: I still can’t believe you didn’t go to the school doctor and get checked out

Felix: I’m fine. It’s just a bump on the head

Eden: just a bump? Head injuries are serious! You only have one brain and you need to take care of it

Felix: I know, but I’m fine. I doubt I even have a concussion

Eden: Riiiight

Eden: cause it’s totally not concerning that you smashed your head into a brick wall hard enough you almost blacked out, lost a bunch of time, got so disoriented you didn’t know upfrom down, and spent an hour dry heaving on the floor of your bathroom

Felix: it’s actually a concrete wall covered with tiles, not brick

She sends me the unimpressed face emoji with the flat lines for eyes and a mouth.

Felix: and I’m sure most of that was from swallowing so much water, not from hitting my head

Eden: two things can be true

Eden: just be careful. I know you don’t like being babied so I’m trying to not smother you, but it’s hard when you’re not taking this seriously

Eden: and it’s not even just the head injury or almost drowning. Someone tried to kill you and I feel like I’m the only person freaking out over that

Felix: you’re not the only one freaking out

Felix: and I appreciate how much you care

Eden: that sounds placating

Eden: was it, or is that just me not reading text properly?

Felix: it wasn’t meant to be placating

Felix: I promise I’m taking all of this seriously, but I can’t spend the rest of the year locked up in my room and hiding. And I can’t keep skipping class without people asking questions

Eden: I know

Eden: just please be careful

Felix: I will, I promise

Eden: do you want to grab dinner in a bit? I have to meet with one of my TAs in an hour but I’ll be done by 7

Felix: not tonight. I’m going to take it easy and try to get to bed early again

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