"Milo?"
No, no, no, no, this can't be happening. My heart is pounding. Was he here? Was Milo here? Did he leave this message for me? What does it mean? What does he mean "why"?
I grab for my phone and dial his number. It goes directly to voicemail.
"Milo... if you're there. Please, please call me back. What do you mean "why?". Where are you? Is everything okay?"
I hesitate to say more, but before I do I hear a click and the line is gone.
I leave enough money on the table for both the coffees and some for a tip, then I rush out the door. I find my car, turn on the ignition, and start to drive without any knowledge of where I'm going.
At a redlight, I fumble to plug in my phone and play some music. I need to listen to some music and to drain out the rest of the world. I turn it loud. Too loud, but it feels good. It feels right. I continue to drive and let my heart take me wherever it so feels. Though, it's not too long before I start to recognize the road and the buildings surrounding me.
I'm near Milo's apartment.
I find the first empty spot and pull off to the side. I sit there and begin to stare at the tall brick building before me. I find his balcony on the third floor and can't help but to think of the times before. I see the little wicker chair in the corner. It has the same pillows. The same four plant pots still sit near the edge but their empty. Empty like we are now.
After spending too much time in my thoughts, I finally build up the courage to get of the car. I cross the busy street, climb the small set of stairs and come face to face with the off-yellow buzzer. I press the one for apartment 3B, Milo's apartment. I press a few times but with no surprise there is no answer. I decide to try 3A.
"Hello?" I hear a small, sweet voice sing through the speaker.
"Mrs. Johnson!", I let out a squeak, "You're still there!".
"Why yes? Who am I speaking to?"
"It's Josie, from 3B. I forgot my key again. Is there anyway you could buzz me in?" I say softly and full of hope.
"Oh, Josie! Of course sweetie!" And just like that, there's a buzz and the door is unlocked.
It's dark inside, but I manage to find the staircase. I make it up the first flight and I am already out of breath. I really need to work out more. I let out a small laugh at the thought, but it kind of breaks as I again think of Milo. I rush to finish the rest of stairs in hopes of it keeping me from my thoughts; in hopes of it keeping me from crying.
When I make it to the top, I just stare down the hall. I look at the first door, inside Mrs. Johnson is probably sitting, watching another episode of 'I Love Lucy'. I can hear a subtle buzz coming from her door as I slowly walk past it and make it to Milo's. When I reach it, there is a small white paper taped to the door. I grab it off and open it up. In the same writing as at the diner are the words, "Did you miss me?" and the signature "M".
"Fucking Milo".
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Short chapter, but honestly I'm surprised I even wrote anything today.
All the love,
A.J.C.
