[Day 48 - 9:13 PM - FaceTime Call  Incoming: Jasper]

  Isis stared at the screen, her thumb hovering over the green button. Her stomach twisted. They'd talked every night for a week now—his voice had become her safe pce. But this? Right now? Actually seeing him, and letting him see her?

  It felt real now...too real.

  She took a deep breath and hit accept.

  The screen flickered—and there he was. Jasper.

  Messy dark hair, tired eyes that held storms, a jawbone like art. He was in a hoodie, sitting on his bed, the room dimly lit. He smiled, a little crooked, a little shy.

  "You're real," Isis whispered.

  Jasper let out a soft ugh, his accent curling around the words like velvet.

  "I was about to say the same."

  Isis tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, biting her lip. Her heart pounded She was in her car, parked in a quiet lot, hoodie up, bare-faced, vulnerable.

  "Sorry I look like a raccoon. Was a long shift."

  "My raccoon," he teased.

  "No, you look perfect," he said, dead serious.

  Her eyes darted down.

  "Don't say that."

  "Why not?" Jasper asked.

  "Because,"

  Isis looked up, cheeks red and full of blush.

  "Good," he said, "that means I'm saying something right."

  They stayed like that for a while. Not much being said. Just staring, smiling, breathing in the reality of each other.

  Jasper leaned back, his phone resting on his chest, letting her see more of him. He was taller than she imagined—broader too. She could tell even through the screen. Her 4 foot 10 frame felt even smaller compared to the way he seemed to fill his space.

  "What?" He asked, catching her staring.

  "Nothing," she mumbled.

  "You just... look like trouble."

  "Maybe I am."

  "That's okay," she said softly,

  "I've been broken too long to fall for someone perfect."

  Jasper pauses.

  "I like the way you see me, Isis."

  Her chest ached in that painfully good way.

  "Then keep calling me."

  ——

  [Later that night - 12:19 AM FaceTime still active.]

  The screen had gone mostly dark on both ends. Isis had shifted her phone so only the top of her car was visible. Jasper's camera was resting near his pillow, catching the side of his jaw, his shes fluttering shut then open again.

  They weren't even talking anymore—just existing.

  The quiet between them was weightless.

  "Still there?" Isis asked softly, her voice thick with sleep.

  "Mhm," Jasper mumbled,

  "Barely. You're gonna make me fall asleep y'know, with your voice being so calming."

  She smiled, turning slightly onto her side, eyes half-lidded.

  "I don't mind."

  Jasper pauses again.

  "Feels like you're right here." he said.

  "Wish I was"

  She could hear the faint rustle of his sheets, his breathing slowing, softening. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest—like this was the safest she had ever felt.

  "You talk in your sleep?"she teased, trying to keep herself awake.

  "Only when I dream about you."he muttered, barely audible.

  Isis caught her breath.

  "Jasper..."

  But he was already drifting, his face completely rexed, shes still, lips parted just slightly.

  She stared at the screen, at the boy thousands of miles away who somehow made her feel like she was finally home.

  "Goodnight, chaos," she whispered.

  "Sleep well in my silence."

  And then, with the call still going, she pced the phone beside her and closed her eyes, too.

  Two broken souls. One quiet line.

  Miles apart, but hearts aligned.