This story is by Christopher Zhang and was part of our 2018 Summer Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.
Conversation with Brad Thejobguy
21:02
Hey David, hope you are doing well. So, my partner and I really think that you are great. But after a long discussion, we decided to go with someone else for the position. You know, start-ups are risky business nowadays, and we can really benefit from someone with more experience. I hope you understand. We wish you the best of luck!
Conversation with A
16:27
I’m getting off work early today. Want to go out for dinner?
– Nah. I’m totally broke.
Oh, I can cover you. Would love to just spend some time together.
– Not a good time. Next week maybe?
Sweetheart, I haven’t seen you in 2 weeks. Don’t you miss me?
– A bit. But I already made plans tonight.
What plans?
– Going out with some college chums. My job interview went well today.
– They are buying me a drink.
Celebrating before even getting the job? You sure are an optimist.
16:45
Have fun then.
– Thanks, you too.
19:38
Look, Dave, I really didn’t want to be the first to speak out, but you leave me no choice. What is our deal? Are we breaking up?
Have we already broken up?
– Amy…
– Not now…
Then when? We haven’t seen each other in 2 weeks! Don’t you think it’s a bit of stretch to call ourselves a couple at this point?
Dave, I understand that you may be going through some rough time right now, but can you at least talk to me?
Dave?
Why have you become like this? We’ve only been dating for a few months and you have gone from a kind, communicative and responsible boyfriend to a complete stranger? I don’t get it. Was it all just a façade that I was dating? And now this is the true you, stone cold?
When we first met, it was so refreshing. I’ve been around guys, but none gave me the tingle like you did. I still remember our first date vividly. The way you pulled out the chair for me at the restaurant, the genuinely interested tone in your voice, and the silly but witty jokes that made me laugh nonstop, I think about them constantly. And whenever I do, I can’t help but put on a smile on my face. The first couple of weeks of our relationship was a silver lining for me. We went out every other day, but I could never get enough of you. The more I got to know you, the more I realized what a rare gem you were, humorous, intelligent, and most importantly, respectful.
I didn’t completely fall for you until I brought you home for Thanksgiving. The moment you stepped into my parent’s house, every old and ordinary corner of the house lit up, as if it was renovated by your charming vibe. I remember that you complimented my mom’s cooking throughout the entire dinner. I’ve never seen her face blushing that much. She barely had a bite of the food, as she was covering her smile most of the time. It even made me realize how little appreciation I’ve shown my mom over the years and say to myself that I’d pay more attention to her. Then we played board games in the living room. You shared a beer with my dad, chatting like you’ve been best buds for years. Hell, you even made my angsty younger brother crack a smirk. He later told me that you were the kind of guy that he’d hang out with, which was jaw-dropping. At that moment, I felt like I was sitting in a cheesy annoying romantic comedy. But because of your presence, I loved every second of it.
Everything went down hill right after, quickly.
Since we came back from my parent’s house, all you talked about was how pressured you felt for not having a proper job. The pressure from your friends, your family, and mostly yourself, just popped out of nowhere. We stopped seeing each other as often, and before I knew it, it became a luxury to see you even once a week. It felt like you turned into someone else overnight, that I completely don’t recognize, leaving me unprepared, confused, and heart-broken.
Whenever I actually got to see you, all we talked about was my job and how I got into the company. Sometimes I had the impression that you were nudging me for some help on your career, as if you wanted me to be your stepping stone into the company.
– Well, you didn’t help me in any meaningful way after all.
Excuse me?
How dare you, David?
Don’t you realize that your career should remain honest and private to yourself? Did it ever cross your mind that maybe you don’t have a job not because other people don’t help you, but because you are simply not good enough? Have you actually acted to improve yourself for job hunting? As far as I recall, all you did was whining about being turned down and wasting your time on whatever you do.
Now I come to think about it, what do you do, David? What do you spend your time on?
20:01
You know what, don’t bother. It’s not worth it.
– I’m sorry, Amy… (Message failed to send)
Conversation with BANK ALERT
13:49
THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH FUNDS IN YOUR SAVING ACCOUNT TO COVER THE TRANSACTION FROM ‘MonthlyStudentLoan’, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH FOR DETAILS
Conversation with Jake Fromthebar
10:54
– Hey, feel like going to Black Hawk together tonight?
No can do, bro. Got a hot date tonight.
He’s a doctor.
– No worries. I’ll go by myself.
– You guys have fun!
You sure? It’ll be your first time alone in a gay bar. Wouldn’t it be a little intimidating for you?
– It’s alright.
– I’ve never felt better.
End of Texts
Reorganize the history in chronological order?
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