1. - – Him
CHAPTER ONE
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HIM
Three years ago
She updated her profile picture, again. Sunshine143. This time it’s a picture of an anti-political shirt she’s obviously had made. Her pale blonde curls cascade over one shoulder but I can’t see her face.
I scroll her Chatter feed, watching her clap back with facts and end arguments that never should have started.
She always comes with receipts, with endless proof that her opinion is correct.
I say always but I’ve only been watching her posts for a couple of months.
It feels like a lifetime already. I’m so enamored by her mind that I’ve spent countless nights over thinking how I can possibly find a way to wiggle into her life.
Then I spot it: a conversation starter from one of her posts.
Our first chance at a private conversation.
It’s about some sort of rally she’s attending.
I have zero intention of going to it, not worth the drive just yet, but it at least opens the door to us.
My palms go clammy and my heart pounds in my chest as I stare at the blank inbox between us. One day soon, that will be full of conversation, of us getting to know each other. My fingers hover over my keyboard, carefully deciding exactly what I could say to bring some of her walls down.
Message Request
8:42 AM
Bravo80: Hey Sunshine. I saw your post about the rally in Delta. I really want to go but do you think it’s a safe place for my son?
Request Accepted
11:32 AM
Sunshine143: Hey! Yeah there’s usually a bunch of parents with their kids, you should be good! Hope to see you there!
12:07 PM
Bravo80: That’s great! I may not make this one but they’re every weekend, yeah? This one may be short notice to work out with my ex.
12:49 PM
Sunshine143: yep, every weekend at town square.
Seen
I crack my knuckles. She responded. I have a foot in the door. What I do from here will make or break me.
Messages
1:17 PM
Bravo80: cool. It’s a bit of a drive for me but I do really want to make it there. Your posts are inspiring me.
1:20 PM
Sunshine143: Haha glad I could help. We’re out there every weekend until this facility shuts down. Someone will eventually notice the disruption to businesses downtown and pay attention to us.
1:22 PM
Bravo80: You’re noticeable. I’m sure they’ll pay attention very soon. I just hope I can get there before you’re through with this protest.
1:47 PM
Sunshine143: there’s always another right around the corner. This one just happens to be close to me.
1:27 PM
Bravo80: I really appreciate your passion. Truly lights a fire under me. Thanks for everything you do.
She reads my message but doesn’t respond.
No matter, I have an in. She’s too much of an animal activist to ignore me if I act like I genuinely care about her cause.
This week it’s a testing facility in her hometown.
Next week, it’ll be a facility halfway around the world.
I’ve watched her for long enough to know that her passion has no boundaries, it knows no limits.
Her profile picture is minimized on my computer in our conversation that has gone cold for now.
“One day, very soon, I’ll know you Cassidy Brooks,” my words echo through my empty bedroom as I lean back in my chair and look at her. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted. She just doesn’t know it yet.