Withering You

Noah

I dog-eared your book, to kill a mockingbird, and got out of bed. I stretch and yawn. I drop your book on the table carefully. I have been reading your book on repeat. I know every line Harper Lee has written. When you have listened to a song too many times, the lyrics keep playing in your head. That's exactly how it is with your book. I can see the words when I close my eyes.

I drag the chair and sit on it. It was getting dark outside and the room felt quite damp. I should open the window and let some cool air in but I am not in the mood for fresh air. Instead, I start up my laptop and click on the app I don't use much. Instagram. I use nothing anymore to be precise. After you everything felt valueless.

I typed in Laura and came up with a list of profiles along with the Laura I was looking for. The Laura I was following. I click on her followers. I know what I'm doing. It did irk me up and I wanted to stop but come on. I see no harm in it. I click on 'search followers' and type in Saige. Came up with a single profile named 's__aiigee__', I clicked on it.

I raise my eyebrows at what I'm seeing. Okay, I shouldn't be reacting like this. Her profile was public. It was filled with breathtaking photos of nature. Her shots were in different perspectives. A triangular shot expanding into a full view. A portrait reflecting back in many mirrors. Every photo was unique in its own. I wasn't looking at them but scrolling down the many photos till I stopped at one. A picture of her dated in 2020. She was holding a medal.

What I didn't tell you before is that Saige isn't beautiful, nor is she attractive but she attracts. Yes, she is not like you but then, she is more than you. That is what is making me fear.

She has uploaded on her story, those things that disappear within twenty-four hours. I wanted to check it but my name would appear on the seen list so I left it as it is.

I hear a car pull up in the garage. Dad returning from work. I lean back on the chair and close my eyes. This time all I saw was Saige's crooked smile. It was a disturbing image, Ava. I force myself to think of you. I force myself to hold on to you.