The Blocked Number

Dear Delyara, He messaged me last night. "I miss you. Can we talk?" Usually, that message would have sent me into a tailspin for three days. I would have analyzed every word, called my friends, and eventually ended up back at his place, feeling worse than before. But last night, I just looked at the screen and felt... nothing. No anger, no longing, just a quiet realization that I deserved better than a midnight text. I didn't reply. I didn't explain. I just blocked the number and went back to my book. I finally chose my peace over his chaos, and it’s the best I’ve felt in years.