|photo by Tim Mossholder from Unsplash|

Messages

Samantha Zhao

———Friday, January 6, 2:21 PM———

Samantha: Did you talk to Dodge today?

Allyson: No.

Samantha: :(

Samantha: Don't take it personally, tho. He's not talking to Josh either.

Allyson: He's more than not talking to me. I haven't even laid eyes on the boy since our extremely awkward conversation on Monday! I can understand him wanting to avoid the lunch crowd, but we usually pass each other in the hallway between 3rd and 4th and I haven't seen him all week. I think he's actively avoiding me.

Samantha: Doubtful.

Samantha: Or if he is, maybe it's because he doesn't want you to see him grieving?

Allyson: I was at the funeral! He held my hand the entire time—didn't let go until he had to leave for Georgia!! I got an email every day until December 29. Then nothing. I can't even tell you what day he got home!!!

Samantha: Just give him some time. He was really close to his grandma, right?

Allyson: Yes, but I loved her too and Dodge knows that. He should be leaning on me, not away. Maybe something happened while he was in Georgia.

Samantha: Like what?

Allyson: No idea. It's a brand new theory.

Samantha: Don't over think it, Owl. My dad went through weird stages like this when Grandpa Zhao died. He got angry and pushed everyone away for a while, but he worked through it. Dodge will too. I promise.

Allyson: Okay, yeah. That makes sense. Should I keep sending the emails?

Samantha: Absolutely! Just keep it simple, tho. No pressure. Tell him you're thinking about him, you're here when he's ready to talk, stuff like that.

Allyson: Thanks! <3 I'm going to send one now.

Samantha: <3<3<3