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Sarah: Wow, I’m about to have an existential crisis!!

Sarah: Just kidding.

Sarah: Did you find out yet why you’ve been summoned?

I smile. I’ve not even been away for a full day, but I miss my life back home already.

Me: You know you can put everything into ONE message, right? I’m meeting Darlene tomorrow to find out what’s going on. Can’t wait to leave. Tell Mira I miss her too and to be good to her mom. Unless her mom keeps sending 10 texts in a row. Then tell her to keep being a brat

The second I hit send I can see a bubble appear, and I know Sarah has been waiting for me to text her back. It’s past ten, so I know her kid must be in bed and she’s probably watching reality TV.

Sarah: I had no idea I could do that? Thank you so much.

Sarah: Anyway

Sarah: Got my fingers crossed that everything is ok and it’ll be a short trip.

Sarah: I know what that town does to you.

Sarah: Just remember you’re a grown ass adult now and nobody can tell you what to do!!

Me: Thank you. I’ll try to keep that in mind when this town eats me alive

Sarah: That’s the spirit. Keep me updated!

Me: Will do! Night

Sarah: Good

Sarah: Night

Sarah: Hayden!

The rest of my evening passes without any more feelings of dread. I eat my cold noodles, and I feel determined that I’ll be out of here soon. As I close my eyes to sleep, an image of Robin comes to mind, and I wonder if I’ll see her again.

Probably not.

The next day when I pull open the heavy door to Mike’s, the local bar, I’m greeted with the comforting smell of beer and fried food. My stomach growls, and I remember I haven’t eaten since last night. The cold air coming from the air-conditioning is a pleasant relief from the unbearable heat outside. It’s empty this time of day. The lunch crowd must’ve already left, and it’s still hours before dinnertime.

I make my way across the sticky floors to the bar, where I spot a bartender humming along to the 80s music blaring from the speakers, engrossed in his phone.

I speak up. “What does one have to do to get service around here?”

He looks up, his warm brown eyes already apologetic. “I’m so sorry that—” He stares for a second. “What the fuck?” A wide grin slowly spreads across his face, mirroring mine.

“Is that how you greet all of your customers?”

“No, only the ugly ones.” He walks around the bar and gives me a little side hug and claps me on the back. “It’s been years. Why didn’t you tell me you were back?”

“I arrived yesterday. I wanted to surprise you.”

“Aw, aren’t you the sweetest?”

“Well, fuck you.”

“Is that how you talk to all your bartenders?”

“No, you’re special, baby.” I wink.