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“Yes,” she said. “I can tell that you need some space.

That’s alright with me. I’m still here. I’m not running. I’m not

disappearing. If you want another ticket, let me know. I can

book it for you. If you want to stay there, that’s fine too. If you

seriously want to break up, then I can’t force you to be with

me. I know it’s hard, but this past month and the week I spent

with you have been the happiest of my life since we were last

together. Just know that I’m here. I’m always going to be here.

I promise. If you want to break up, then make sure it’s because

you just don’t want this anymore. The rest would just take

some time to work itself out. And I think it would work out.”

“But-”

“Butts are for toilet paper,” Danica said in the

background. “Another thing Mom always says.”

“I should go. Danica’s not going to give me any

peace.”

“Just think about what I said. It’s okay to be scared and

have doubts. Everyone does. But don’t give up just because of

that. Please. Just take some time. Call me in a bit. Whenever

you’re okay doing it.”

“Okay. Dallas?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry. About not coming.”

“It’s okay. Just take some time for you.”

“Thanks. I’ll talk to you in a bit.”

Quinn hung up and Dallas was left with the heavy

silence in the room. She hugged her phone to her chest, like

she was actually giving Quinn a hug. Even if she couldn’t

physically feel it, Dallas hoped that Quinn somehow knew she

was sending that hug her way.