Page 5 of Unlocking Ruin

Rylan:

I can’t make the job.

Bre8kMe:

I expect payment in the form of cheat codes.

I smirk, but it dies fast. Bre8kMe got me into online gaming. I try to play with him once a week, but now I can’t. Do I go totally MIA?

How would I feel if he did that to me?

Rylan:

I need to tell you something…

The app we chat on is heavily encrypted, but I don’t want to risk incriminating myself.

Rylan:

I fucked up.

Bre8kMe:

You didn’t invite me? I thought we were friends. Give me a hint.

Shit, he thinks I just hacked into something and am bragging.

Rylan:

No, I mean I really fucked it up. Everything. I’m leaving.

Bubbles appear and then vanish. Perfect, I lost him too. He must think the feds are onto me and I’m making him an accomplice.

Rylan:

I just

Oops! My finger accidentally hits send. In a rush, I text more.

Rylan:

I’m gonna lie low for the next few months. I need a fresh start.

I smack my forehead and shove my phone into my pocket. I’m stupid. I shouldn’t have said⁠—

My phone vibrates.

Bre8kMe:

I can help. Slow down. This is my number. Call me.

I stop walking. The screen blurs as tears fill my eyes. He gave me his personal number. He’s not running or leaving me behind. My fingers glide over the keyboard. He’s offering to help. No one has helped me in a long time. I’m the one who helps, and it’s exhausting.

Rylan:

Thanks, but I’ve got this. Give me a few months, and I’ll reach back out.

Bre8kMe: