The next day felt heavier.
Not because something happened.
Because I was waiting for it.
In class, I kept my phone face down on the desk.
I told myself I wouldn't check it.
Ten minutes later, I checked it.
Nothing.
During break, the other boy sat near me.
Not beside me.
Near.
"Can I ask you something?" he said.
My heart skipped.
"Sure."
He lowered his voice.
"Do you ever feel like someone expects something from you?"
I looked at him.
This wasn't a normal question.
"Sometimes," I said carefully.
He nodded.
"Yeah. Same."
Then he smiled and added,
"I hate that feeling."
He stood up and left.
My phone buzzed.
I didn't even need to look.
But I did.
Unknown Number:
That was the question.
I frowned.
What question? I typed.
The reply came slower than usual.
Unknown Number:
The one you didn't ask.
My fingers hovered.
What should I have asked?
Three dots appeared.
Stopped.
Then:
Unknown Number:
Why he feels it too.
My chest tightened.
I looked around the classroom.
The boy was already gone.
After school, I walked home faster than usual.
Is he part of this? I typed.
No reply.
At home, my phone buzzed once more.
Unknown Number:
You are getting close.
I sat on my bed.
Close to what?
An answer?
A problem?
Or something I couldn't undo?
For the first time in days,
the silence felt dangerous.