Vic II

Vic wasn’t sure what to do next. He thought about waiting in Meg’s apartment, but hanging out in the empty apartment of a missing white girl felt like guaranteed jail time. He locked up with Meg’s spare keys and wandered down the street with no destination in mind.

He walked down the middle of the street, looking at the small, shuttered shops along the way. He thought about how much had changed since the Unraveling began. He remembered how, when he was a child, this area was so full of life. It had felt like he could find anything, or anyone, if he could just wait on this street long enough.

These days, it felt like even the insects stayed away. Most stores were empty, except for those that had basic products on the shelves (like the 7-Eleven).

He hated the way it felt now. Every closed building felt like a broken promise.

His phone rang in his pocket.

Vic’s blood stopped moving. He wanted to crawl out of his body and turn it inside out like a dirty glove, but last he checked humans couldn’t do that.

Instead, he reached carefully for the devil device that should still be lying on the floor of his apartment. He hadn’t picked it up (had he?!), he was sure of it.

He checked the notifications.

Message not sent.

Unlocking the phone, he saw a new message he hadn’t written that had failed to send.

I’m at your apartment, I saw your office. I’m worried. Text me soon, okay?

He looked at the words. He felt like he was seeing everything in his life through a telescope, his body distant.

A new notification.

Message not sent.

Please message me if you get this.

Again.

Message not sent.

It’s been a week. I’m worried. Where are you?

Again.

Message not sent.

Meg??