repercussions ✓

XXIX. SUPPORT HOTLINE

"Hello? Hello, hi."

"Hello! Are you OK?"

"No, no, can I just rant to you?"

"Of course you can, that's what we're here for."

"OK, OK, I... It was a while ago now, but my boyfriend broke up with me and he seems like he's really struggling, because he keeps sending me some kind of depressing messages and I'm scared for him, but I still like him and we're still friend but it's just all kind of awful, you know?"

"Hello? Are you there?"

"Yes, hold on, there's someone else coming through."

"Hey, I'm really sorry, it's me again. I-I was talking to my boyfriend, you know who I mean, and I really miss him a lot, you know? I regret breaking up with him, but I also just can't stop wanting him. Like, I know it's bad because I broke his heart, but I just want him back."

"OK... Wait, what's your name?"

"Who?"

"Both of you."

"I'm-I'm Matt."

"Ashton, you know that by now."

"Right, OK, so you two are the ones always in the news?"

"Wait, who's on the other end?"

"Who else are you talking to?"

"Your ex. Both of you."

[DISCONNECTED]

[DISCONNECTED]