Page 27

I cast a glance towards my bedroom window. It’sdusky outside, the sky a deep grey smudged like charcoal, rain pattering at the windowsills. I lament that I won’t turn seventeen til April to get my driver’s licence. Being so reliant on the bus is a pain, and trekking an hour across town this late in the evening isn’t very appealing, even if Jakewasfree to hang out.

My doodling – an antique vanity with a mirror crowded with flowers and vines and antlers – falters, and I sigh as I toss my pencil aside, reaching for my phone instead as I slump back against the pillows.

It must say something about how phenomenally, colossally bored I am that watching a few more episodes of OWAR seems like the perfect solution right now. I’m almostannoyedthat I have to wait until Wednesday to watch more. It’s definitely boredom driving me, and not any sort of sincere excitement for the show. It can’t be; I’m still not even sure what this elaborate plotline to search for the Eldritch King is all about – can you bethatinto a show when you can’t really describe what’s going on?

I open up Discord, and my private chat with Jake is there. I didn’t text him earlier – careful not to come off as too clingy or needy – but texting first in the confines of this fan forum feels … different. Less pressure somehow, more casual. This is just bland nonsense about the show, it’s notrealthat way.

@mythicwitch

So on a scale of 1–10, how fangirl is it of me to be super excited for Wednesday and want to watch the next episodes already?

He’s online almost immediately, and my heart somersaults to see him typing a response.

@runicrascal

Like a 5

@mythicwitch

Only a 5!!! Have I earned no bonus points for finally giving in and getting into the show?

@runicrascal

Nah, a real fan would have binged through them already, pre-planned watching schedule with friends be damned ;)

@mythicwitch

Touché. I am tempted though … But it feels like it’s more fun to share that experience in person?

@runicrascal

Based on how you reacted to the end of ep3, I’d agree

@runicrascal

And there’s some really fun stuff to look forward to in ep5 and 6 this week, characters beginning to interact with each other and such – that’s more your thing than the swordfights, right?

@mythicwitch

Right. But at least between us we’ve got a well-rounded appreciation for the show!

@runicrascal

Haha true

@runicrascal

How’s your weekend been?

@mythicwitch

Not too bad. My shift was a drag but I’d rather that than any drama or stress with customers and stuff! I’d like to say I’ve had lots of super exciting super fun totally brilliant plans, but really I just got a lot of schoolwork done

@mythicwitch

How about yours? How did the match go today?!?!??

@runicrascal