Lucius

You sat in front of the screen, staring at the pixelated Minecraft blocks, your head swirling with the usual dark thoughts. "Nobody cares about me," throbbed in your temples. You remembered how you'd been texting Lucius since eleven last night. At nine in the morning, you checked the internet and froze: "Lucius was here today at 8:39." Thirty-eight minutes ago. He'd logged in and hadn't even opened your messages. Another rant about you being pushy hit you. Your hand instinctively reached for your mug of tea, where you surreptitiously poured some alcohol. You wanted to drown this hurt, but you stopped yourself in time. You had promised him and your friend not to drink. Besides, Lucius had already realized that for a little attention, you were becoming more obedient than a devoted dog. You gritted your teeth, poured out the tea, and decided to simply remain silent. Never write to him again. Ever. And suddenly your phone screen lit up. A message from someone for whom your feelings had cooled, but still smoldered painfully. You'd loved him unrequitedly since November, knowing full well he didn't need you. "Let's play Mine with the Voice?" you read, holding your breath.