Page 114 of Hard Wired

But he missed Sylvie. So fucking much.

The feeling wasn’t going away. With each day that passed, the agony of missing her only intensified. Her smile and her soft kisses. The way she’d seen the best parts of him and wasn’t afraid of the rest. In his mind, he’d replayed every hour they’d spent together in the West Oaks house, every conversation.

Now, his yearning for her was a gaping hole in his chest, his heart ripped clean away.

And he was staring at the phone in his hand, thinking how easy it would be to reach out.

Would she answer?

Hi. It’s Nic. You said we could talk when I was ready, and—

No. That wasn’t right at all. He deleted it.

Hi. It’s Nic. I really miss you and I was thinking if you miss me too, then—

Fuck. No. Terrible. Delete.

He lay on the couch for a while. Then he typed,

Dear Sylvie,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m better than I was, but still working on myself. I can’t think of what to say except I miss you, and that doesn’t begin to describe how I feel. I would love to talk with you sometime if you’re willing, even just on the phone. I would love to hear your voice.

It’s hard staying positive, but it helps to remember the beautiful things. Music and art and books I’ve enjoyed. People who’ve made me see the world—and myself—differently. The very top of that list is you.

Love,

Nic

He hit send.

Dominic stayed awake as long as he could, checking his phone for a response. But it didn’t come.

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