you triggered my mammalian sighing reflex---

days, then months, then years had gone by. you and wilbur were caught in this on and off "thing", not necessarily a relationship but more than friends with benefits. words shared that cause a sigh. the 'human sighing reflex' scientists called it, but wilbur called it mammalian. mammals. as if they all shared the same emotion that wrecks them when their attempts at affection are ignored.

there was the occasional favor exchange but then there was radio silence from one of you.

hey.

another text left to rot for a few days before another one is sent.

i want 2 see u.

the receiver rolls their eyes and sets the phone down and decides to never reply. each exchange felt cheap and materialistic, as if there was little to no meaning. think of some- lame shirt that you buy on the internet and is nothing like the quality you expect or deserved. it was a gross texture and you knew you'd never keep it around. wearing it was like wearing a reminder of something you'd wasted money on.

that's how it felt being with each other.

disposable.

unwanted.

similar to that of a dropshipped cat shirt.