Page 593 of Lessons in Cruelty

“Get rid of it.” Kai gives me a condescending once over, then snorts and shakes his head. “Can’t, can you?”

It suddenly feels like I’m running through fucking tar. Kai keeps walking, not looking back, still shaking his head as he fumbles in his pocket for another sucker.

He’s right.

I can’t. I don’t know why, but I fucking can’t.

I watch as Kai moves further and further away.

Then I watch myself with wide eyes as my numb fingers open the VibeFeed app. Bastian’s last few DMs catch my eye.

@inherentvice

He can’t give you what you need.

Not like I can.

He sent that the day after we left Agony Hollow. Then, a few days later, came two in quick succession.

@inherentvice

He thinks he’s saving you. And you’re too busy pretending to be a good girl to correct him, aren’t you?

How long can you keep up the act, sweet girl?

The last, most sinister one came yesterday just past four in the morning.

@inherentvice

I’ve been patient.

But even I have limits.

I scroll past his messages and type.

@bssweetgirl

Where are you?

I stare at the screen, thumb hovering over the send button.

Don’t do it.

Don’t be an idiot.

Just delete it and⁠—

My thumb hits send, my stomach lurching as the message goes through with a soft whoosh.

Oh fuck.

What did I just do?

Somehow, I wrench back control from my mutinous body and stab down on the message I just sent.

The relief when I hit delete and see the message disappear is instantaneous.

As is the horror when three dots appear.