The Vase Girl

Summary

While out for lunch, a sudden stomach cramp forced me to step away to the restroom.

When I returned to our table, my boyfriend and my best friend were already gone.

I reached to call them, only to realize my phone was still sitting inside my purse.

And my purse was right there on the chair.

I had been sitting against the wall, with my boyfriend beside me and my best friend across from him.

Neither of them had noticed my bag. Neither of them had noticed my half-eaten meal.

This was not the first time it had happened, and a wave of deep exhaustion washed over me.