The city streets were cold and sharp, the chilly wind cutting through my black t-shirt as I walked, my shoes scuffing the ground, my bag bouncing lightly on one shoulder.
*I should call her,* I thought, a small smile tugging at my lips. *Tell her I'm coming, maybe we can still grab some food somewhere, hit up that late-night dinner she loves.*
I took my phone out from my pocket, the screen lighting up with a notifications—texts, app alerts, the usual chaos. I swiped them aside without looking, too tired to care, and went straight to my contacts.
Aeri's name sat at the top, her picture a candid shot of her grinning in a park, her eyes crinkling. I hit call, tucking one hand back into my pocket, the phone pressed to my ear as I kept walking, the city blurring around me.
*Ring. Ring. Ring.* The phone droned on, longer than usual, the sound sharp against the quiet of the street. I frowned, glancing at the screen, wondering if she was asleep already. Finally, a click.
