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LochNLoad

Hey! Where have you been? I was starting to worry!

A pause stretches out—so long that I begin to think she might not answer—until at last her reply comes through.

SassyLassie

Just clearing my head. Don’t want to chat right now.

Okay then, not exactly warm or welcoming, but fair enough. Everyone has their off days.

Still, desperate times call for desperate measures.

LochNLoad

Oh? Go on! It’s been ages since we talked, and I could use a distraction after the day I’ve had.

Her response comes quicker this time, and colder too.

SassyLassie

I’d rather just do a solo quest tonight.

When I first started gaming with SassyLassie, she was always upbeat and full of banter. But this is the first time she’s been online in ages, and even before she disappeared, there was that time she wouldn’t talk to me and she let me get annihilated by that wraith. There must be something going on in her real life, but I’ve no idea what since we rarely talk about personal stuff when we play.

But tonight I’m desperate to chat—because who else am I supposed talk about Maisie with? It certainly won’t be anyone in Bannock, not unless I fancy the whole town knowing by sunrise. But an online gamer who doesn’t even know my real name? Sure, I can talk with her.

LochNLoad

Please? I kissed this girl today and I’m losing my mind trying to make sense of it. There’s no one here I can talk to who won’t blab within seconds. But you’re different. You’re . . . safe.

Her reply takes longer this time, and when it comes through, it bruises more than expected.

SassyLassie

Not in the mood to play agony aunt tonight.

Ouch.

LochNLoad

All right. Anything I can say to change your mind?

SassyLassie

I said no. This was a mistake. I’m going.

LochNLoad

Wait, what?!

SassyLassie

Lochie, if you need to talk to someone that badly, pour your heart out to Bruce.

My fingers pause above the keys. Bruce? My Bruce? As in, Lewis and Iona’s dog?

A cold prickle crawls across my skin. Did I ever tell Sass his name? Because I don’t remember doing that. In fact, I’m almost certain I didn’t.