Just then, my phone lit up, showing "Chase Thompson" on the screen.
Chase is my neighbor, and for years now, he’s quietly harbored a crush on me.
I answered the call, and his voice immediately reached me—soft, cautious, as if he was afraid of disturbing something fragile.
"Emma, are you okay? I saw Jason’s post..."
His words brushed against my heart, and I felt this strange flutter in my chest.
"I’m fine," I said, trying to sound casual. But I could even hear the tremor in my voice.
"Don’t be sad, Em. He doesn’t deserve you." His voice was steady, firm—like he meant it.
"You deserve better."
He suggested we hit up "our place," the quiet little bar we used to go to back in college. I didn’t hesitate.
I needed to drown out the anger, the hurt, the confusion. A couple of drinks sounded perfect.
...
At the bar, I could already feel the alcohol working its magic, and the world around me starting to blur.
I grabbed my phone, opened the camera, and recorded a video, my head swimming as I stared into the lens.
My hair was a mess, my eyes unfocused, and I laughed, the sound coming out sloppily as I raised my glass.
"Here’s to all the assholes out there! Hope you die alone—no peaceful death for you!"
I downed the drink in one go, posted the video, and before I even had time to process it, my phone rang.
Jason’s name flashed on the screen.
"Emma! Are you out of your mind? What the hell did you post? Delete it right now!" His voice was full of shock, anger, and disbelief.
"Am I crazy? No, I’m not crazy—yet! It’s you who’s making me lose it!" I shouted into the phone, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Jason, you’re a damn fool! Ava isn’t even sick! She’s lying to you!"
There was a pause, and then I heard Ava’s soft, whiny voice come through, interrupted by fake little coughs.
"Emma, how could you say that about me..." Ava let out a fake cough before going on, "I’m really feeling terrible... Why are you doing this to me?"
Her voice cracked like she was about to cry, and then she added, "Jason just wants to help me fulfill my last wish... I swear, we never meant to hurt you..."
I could hear Jason’s voice now, soothing, tender. "Ava, don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll take care of everything."
They were practically in a bubble of their own, ignoring me completely. Their little affectionate exchange made my stomach churn.