Novel & Cerita A Gentle Reminder

Progress, however small, was still progress. As I walked through the darkened office toward the elevator, my phone buzzed again. Don't forget to breathe on your way home. The files will still be there tomorrow. I smiled, picturing Nova typing that message. The woman who used to be a stranger sharing my name was now the person who reminded me to breathe. Who knew exactly what I needed before I did. I texted back: On my way. Save me some air too. Her response was immediate—a simple heart emoji.

Despite feeling touched by the goodwill, Calla didn't want to engage with Mercer on such an intimate level anymore. Thus, she typed a message for him to see, intending to be none the wiser. "I know you have a lot of social engagements, and you're busy with work. Please don't come over here anymore. My condition is stable now. I'll be discharged in a few days." Reading this, Mercer furrowed his brows tightly. "What do you mean by that?" His fingers swiftly typed out those words. "Nothing much. I just don't want to bother you," Calla wrote. She had a feeling he was about to get angry.

That thought still mattered more than I admitted out loud. As the kettle warmed, my phone buzzed on the counter. One notification. Gabriel. Good morning. I hope you slept well. No need to reply. Just wanted you to wake up without wondering. I stared at the screen longer than necessary. No pressure. No expectations. Just presence. I typed back before I could overthink it. I did. Thank you. I hope you did too. Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Then— I did. Take today slow, Isa.

'Hello Elvis Let Perpetual Aaron Leave India To America' "What is that aupposed to mean!!" Davidson yelled, causing Lu to flinch in his sleep "Sorry brother" he uttered "But you need to wake up!" He yelled again. Shortly after Jordan had seen the message, he didn't try calling back or texting back as the messager had warned first that he should not reply. He couldn't get himself to think well after the message. His bored gaze homed on the screen of his phone as he tried his possible best to ignore Davidson that kept yelling on top of his voice. Mere looking at the message it doesn't look right or normal.

I step out, closing it behind me, and exhale. I shouldn’t care. I tell myself that over and over again as I walk back to my desk. But I do. I drop into my chair, rubbing my temples. Just as I reach for my pen, my phone screen lights up with a soft ping. A reminder. I glance at it. —Wedding anniversary with Julian—a few days away.—

The reminder came disguised as practicality. Elara found it tucked between ordinary things: a calendar update forwarded by mistake, a brief note from an administrator clarifying dates, a soft shift in tone that suggested the world hadn’t stopped—only paused long enough for her to notice it. The programme’s next phase was approaching. Not an expansion. Not a public moment. Just a window. A defined period when choices would need to be made—not loudly, not dramatically, but with consequence. She sat with the notice longer than necessary, letting the implication settle.

It wasn’t gentle. It was a command.

I grabbed it. “That witch actually wrote a letter…” “Sorry I didn’t wake you. You looked too peaceful—with your mouth wide open, by the way! I still said goodbye and kissed your cheek even though there was dried drool on it, eww. Don’t forget what I told you, okay? I stuck reminders all over the house, especially the kitchen! But seriously, I hope you get checked again. Your forgetfulness is getting worse. Maybe it’s because you’re getting old—and still single. Haha! Don’t stress yourself out too much. Eat well, okay? So when we come back, you’ll be chubby enough to carry your nephew—what if he ends up heavier than you?! I’m crying again, geez. Promise me we’ll always video call. Don’t ever

which makes me angrier for the inconvenience of someone trying to cross us, now I have to remind them what we are and spend my time doing something far more interesting. with her. “We do it tonight. Let's remind some folks who we are, they seem to have forgotten.”

Just stay calm, everything will be fine. *