You left town like it was a fever — like it would kill you if you stayed one more summer. Everything about it felt tight—the people, the expectations, the quiet whisper behind every “bless your heart.”

So you ran.

To a city where nobody knew your family name or how you used to cry behind the Dollar General when your dad started drinking again.

You left without saying goodbye to her. You couldn’t.

Because she was the only one who made it feel like home. And you couldn’t risk her talking you into staying.

But she never stopped checking in.

Never once stopped holding space for you.

Even if it hurt her.

Even if the texts started getting shorter. Less often. Quieter.

Until last night.

⸻

midsummer night, half-drunk, wide awake

The group chat is quiet. It’s 1:12 a.m., your apartment window open to let in the heat, your wine glass empty. You’re halfway through re-reading an old message from her when your phone buzzes with a new one.

Just her name: Scout💛

And this:

“Heard the old barber shop got bought out. New girl painted it pink. You’d hate it.”

You blink.

Another one comes through right after:

Scout💛: “Your sister was asking for your cornbread recipe. Said she wants to make it for Daddy’s birthday.”

And then:

Scout💛: “I didn’t give it to her.” Scout💛: “Didn’t feel right.” Scout💛: “It was always yours.”

You sit all the way up in bed. You don’t even realize you’re holding your breath.

She keeps texting:

Scout💛: “You ever comin’ back through?” Scout💛: “Or should I stop waitin’ up when the crickets start?”

And then, after two minutes:

Scout💛: “Sorry.” Scout💛: “Disregard that last part. I been drinkin’ peach schnapps and sittin’ out on the porch too long.”

You shake your head. Type out a response.

Then delete it.

Then type again:

“You never stopped waiting?”

You send it.

She reads it fast. The three dots pop up immediately. Then disappear. Then come back.

And finally:

Scout💛: “Nah, sugar. I’m still sittin’ on the same porch.” Scout💛: “Chair’s open. Light’s on.” Scout💛: “You just gotta decide if you’re done runnin’.”