Chapter 12
December 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
She’d already seen me; I couldn’t just dash out.
“What’s up, girly?” she asked casually.
“You heard from Carol?”
She shook her head.
“I don’t fucking believe this.”
She remained unfazed.
I told her what the station had said.
“I’ve been to Kodiak. Reception issues are common.”
“But Wi-Fi shouldn’t be this bad. It’s 2018.”
“Hey, I can’t help how technology works. She’s fine, though.”
“I’m glad one of us is so confident. I’m going out to keep my mind occupied.”
“Okay. When will you be back?”
“I don’t know. Why?”
“Just wondering if you wanted to order pizza tonight and watch a movie with me.”
I found the question strange. Then I thought of Jenny.
“What about Jenny? I thought she’d be back by now.”
“She’ll be back soon enough,” she said, sounding almost annoyed at the idea.
“Well, wouldn’t she at least stop by?”
“I’m sure we’ll make plans soon enough. You’re always welcome to join us. Or me if she’s not back.”
“I don’t know what I’m doing, Brynn. Right now, I just want to find out what’s going on with Carol.”
She smiled and hugged me tightly. “Don’t worry your pretty little head off.”
Uncomfortable, I pulled away, grabbed my bike, and left.