I tried calling him back. Multiple times. The device pressed to my ear, hands shaking, tremulous breaths. Please answer. I thought, Please, please answer.

But he never did.

My mother hurried into my room. "Ava?" She rushed over. "What's wrong, Ava?"

"I-I... H-He's not picking up! H-He's..."

"Shh," she whispered, pulling me into her arms. "What happened?"

I didn't tell her - I couldn't - I didn't know how to tell her.

That night, I didn't sleep. 

The more I avoided thinking of him, the more I did. I felt numb, as if novocaine had been injected into my blood and anesthesia floated through the air. I stared into the darkness, then shifted to the side so I faced my window. The drapes were left open. The moonlight illuminated my room. As I watched the stars, memories from Thailand came flooding back. They were painted vividly - I could still see it. The dark sky sprinkled with stars, the yellow moon floating above us. I remembered the shooting star, and the wish I had made. I remembered how it had felt to be next to him. But now I was here alone, left with the uneasy feeling stirring inside of my stomach. Reassurance - that was what I needed.

Before I knew it, morning came. Through my window, I could see a red-yellow pigment rising through the clouds. The daylight brightened my room. Rubbing my eyes, a yawn rolled through me as I got out of bed. Releasing a deep breath, I pulled the drapes closed. As I turned around, I caught a glimpse at the phone on the floor. Stopping in my tracks, I stared blankly for a few seconds, then fell back onto my bed.

That's when the phone rang. I quickly picked it up. "Hello?"

I wanted to hear his voice. I needed to.

But instead, I heard the voice of a small child. "Ava?" she whispered.

"Harper! Isaac called-"

"I know."

I let out a deep breath, a knot of anxiety in my stomach, building up the courage to ask, "Is he okay?"

"No," her voice cracked, "I've just found him. He's not waking up. And he's not breathing. I'm scared!" she sobbed, "He's gone, Ava! He's gone and I don't know what to do!"

--------

My eyes shot open. I sat up, breathing heavily, hands drenched in sweat. I glanced at my window. The drapes were still left open. The sun came pouring into my room. I glanced at the phone. It was still on the floor. I pursed my lips together, squeezing my eyes shut and burying my face into my hands. I took deep breaths, trying to keep myself calm.

Deep breaths, Ava.

It was only a dream.

--------

Piper showed up at my doorstep at around noon. She entered without permission, heading towards the living room. I followed. "Ugh, the teachers gave us a crap load of homework. Thank god it's Saturday. I'll procrastinate until tomorrow. Why weren't you at school?" she questioned, plopping down on the couch.

I sat next to her. She grabbed the remote, pressing a button and turning on the TV. "You look tired," she stated.

"I am," I replied. I rubbed my eyes.

"You didn't reply to my question. Why weren't you at school?"

I forced two consecutive coughs. "I was sick."

She turned to me and rolled her eyes, "Okay, you don't need to throw out a fake cough to back up your lie, Ava. I know you're not sick. You don't sound sick."

"I said I was sick, doesn't mean I still am." I stated. Piper raised her brows. I released a sigh, "...Just...Never mind."

There was a long pause. Finally, she said, "What's wrong with you today? You're all depressed."

"Don't know what you're talking about."

"Really, Ava? Another lie? Come on."

"I'm not lying,"

"Are too."

"Am not."

She furrowed her brows, "Tell me what's wrong."

I sighed. "It's just... It's about..."

"Nolan?"

I shook my head.

"Isaac?"

I nodded. "He called yesterday."

"Okay... What's the big deal?"

I shrugged. "I don't know..."

"Just spit it out."

I hesitated, "Okay, um... How do I put this? ...I don't even know. I'm worried about him."

"You're over reacting."

"He hinted at suicide."

Piper seemed uncomfortable. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and took a deep breath. "Well... I'm sure he didn't have the guts to do it. He's probably fine."

"I'm worried."

"Don't be. He's fine."

"You really think so?"

"Yeah."

I let out another deep breath. "Okay."

There was a long pause. Piper broke the silence. "Um, Colton and I are going to see a movie this afternoon, wanna come?"

"No thanks."

"We can invite Nolan."

"No thanks."

She looked at me sternly, "Ava. Just go. It'll get your mind off Isaac."

I released a deep breath, burying my face into my hands. "I don't know, Piper... Right now, I'm just... stressed."

She shrugged, "Whatever you say. I'll leave you some space," she got up and headed towards the door, "See ya."

Leaving the house, she closed the door behind her.

I sighed, then glanced at the coffee table, catching a glimpse at the phone just sitting there. I needed to hear it ring.

I needed to know he was okay.