Page 198 of The Wicked

---

After I sent the message, I reread it, hoping I didn’t pass across the wrong subtext. I wasn’t well-versed in the world of texting,and it was worrisome how one text could be interpreted into many meanings.

I exited her message box and let my thumb hover above Zahra’s message.

Something bizarre happened at that moment. I felt a small squeezing burn in my chest; an odd—out-of-place—nervousness gripped me out of nowhere, and I hesitated for a long time before clicking on her name.

Yesterday

Zahra:

Hey Dad

2:35 P.M.

Zahra:

U know, when u said u’d call, I didn’t think it would take u so long. I’d love to believe u are not blowing me off

4:42 P.M.

Zahra:

Are u blowing me off?

7:50 P.M.

Zahra:

Wait, this is not delivering, did u fucking block me?

9:02 P.M.

Zahra:

Fine. I get the message. I’ll delete ur number too. Asshole.

1:42 A.M.

Today

Zahra:

Listen, I’m not much of a texter, and I obvs did not delete your number. I was kind of high when I sent that, anyway. Is this really you blowing me off and changing your mind about that rule? Cause you can just come clean and say it to me instead of ignoring me? It’s kind of a dick move.

12:56 P.M.

Zahra:

My God! I can’t believe I’m being ghosted by YOU of all fucking people

4:08 P.M.

Zahra:

Is something wrong?

6:31 P.M.

Zahra:

---