Prologue
“Lana!”
Her shrill voice practically pierces my eardrum. Yet a wide smile spreads across my lips. I don’t even need to glance at my phone screen to know who’s calling me this early.
“Good morning to you too, Mallory.”
I turn on my bedside lamp: 7:23 a.m. Mallory suffers from insomnia.
“A bit early for a Saturday, even for you, don’t you think…?”
“Lana, Lana, Lana, I waited as long as I could, but now I just can’t anymore! Guess! Guess!”
Mallory is overflowing with energy this early in the morning. Today, she’s far surpassing her own records.
The thought makes me smile as I sit up in bed. I run a hand through my hair, trying to tame the rebellious strands—an almost impossible daily mission.
“Did you win the lottery?”
I try, without much conviction.
“Hic! No, but I wish,” Mallory laughs on the other end of the line. “But close. Come on, guess!”
“You finally managed to drive around the city without scraping your car?”
It must be said: Mallory is a public hazard with a driver’s license…
“Ha ha, very funny, but no. Anyway, it’s at the garage, and I’m picking it up on Tuesday. Well, since you can’t guess, I’ll just tell you!”
Mallory pauses for a few seconds, which can only mean a dramatic announcement is coming.
“I’m starting next Monday at ADConcept. Surprise!”
My throat tightens. My fingers clench around the phone.
“ADConcept… as in my advertising agency?”
The news hits like a bomb.
“Yes! It’s amazing! Tell me you’re happy! We’re finally going to work together, live in the same city, and go shopping like we used to. Yes! I’m so happy!”
I’m still reeling from the announcement, but I don’t want to ruin her joy. After all, Mallory is my best friend.
“Wow… that’s… wonderful. Congratulations, Mallory.”
I try to inject some enthusiasm into my voice, but fail miserably.
“I have to go, Lana. I’ll call you later—I have so many things to organize before I leave. Ciao. Kisses!”
Mallory hangs up.
I finally look at my phone screen.
Mallory.
So it wasn’t an illusion. Mallory and I, in the same advertising agency.
It’s both a dream and a nightmare.
I remain motionless, the phone still warm in my hand.
What should be good news tastes bitter, like a trap snapping shut.
Simple. And horrible at the same time.
Two years.
Two long years that I’ve been lying to her.
