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Cass huffed, and his voice sounded tired when he said, “Pretend I’m there, giving you a good night hug.”

“Mmm, I am.” Ash smiled softly. “And I’m hugging you back.”

He could almost hear Cass smiling in return.

Cass (Tuesday, January 3, 2023 – 7:53 a.m.): First day! How do you feel?

Ash (7:56 a.m.): Angry with whoever made this schedule (spoiler: it was me, I picked my own schedule)

Ash (7:56 a.m.): Stacking all of my classes on Tues/Thurs seemed like a good idea at the time

Cass (7:57 a.m.): But not now that you realize you’ll be on campus all day long?

Ash (7:58 a.m.): Exactly

Ash (Monday, February 13, 2023 – 9:54 p.m.): Done with my research paper. You still up?

Cass (9:54 p.m.): I’m up. Been working on my part of a group project

Ash (9:55 p.m.): Can you take a break?

Cass (9:56 p.m.): What kind of break are we talking? ;)

Ash (9:56 p.m.): What kind of break do you want? ;)

Cass (9:57 p.m.): YES

Cass (Tuesday, February 14, 2023 – 6:33 a.m.): Happy Valentine’s Day <3

Ash (11:58 a.m.): <3

Ash (11:58 a.m.): Will you be my valentine?

Cass (2:30 p.m.): Always

Ash (Friday, March 3, 2023 – 5:49 p.m.): OMG OMG OMG I got in!!!

Ash (5:49 p.m.): The email just came!!! I wasn’t expecting it for another week or so

Cass (5:50 p.m.): !!!!!

Ash (5:50 p.m.): “Dear Asher Finnley, Congratulations on your offer for admission to the University of Washington Graduate School for Summer 2023 to the Master in Teaching (MIT) - Elementary Teacher Education Program (ELTEP).” Ahhhhhh!

Cass (5:51 p.m.): That’s amazing, I’m so proud of you <3

Ash (5:51 p.m.): Can I call?

Cass (5:52 p.m.): Yes!

Cass (Sunday, April 2, 2023 – 8:45 p.m.): You feeling better?

Ash (9:02 p.m.): Not really :(

Cass (9:03 p.m.): Bri’s asleep, right? Can you try your medication?

Ash (9:07 p.m.): Took it about an hour ago, but it’s not helping

Ash (9:07 p.m.): I haven’t had a migraine in a while. I forgot how awful it is