“Kate? Kate, is that you?”

“Michelle!”

“Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you!”

“I know! Third grade, right?”

“Yes! Oh, what a fun year.”

“Ah, the memories. You’re in Ninth grade now, right?”

“Same as you.”

“Hey, do you remember-”

“Mrs. McDougal? Oh, do I! Remember that time when-”

“She caught her hair in the fan? That was hilarious.”

“Yeah, it was. Well, I have to go.”

“Aw, what a shame.”

“I’ll see you around, okay?”

“Sure. One last hug?”

“Why not.”

I went in for a hug, forgetting that Michelle wasn’t there. I flopped onto my stomach after I went in too far.

Hoping Michelle would come back was too much.