Drained

I opened the message, my thumb feeling clumsy.

> Nina: how is she?

The question was so direct it felt like a test.

> Me: she's ok. i walked her home. she was pretty shaken up though.

The three little dots appeared instantly.

> Nina: i'm not mad at you.

I read it twice, but it didn't feel real. She had to be mad.

> Me: you looked pretty mad.

> Nina: i was but not at you, i was mad at the whole situation and i was scared. i just wanted to help her and i didn't know what to do.

> Nina: you were right to stop me. i would have just made it worse. i was just being emotional.

That didn't feel right. I was the one who screwed up the explanation.

> Me: no, you weren't. i'm the one who's sorry. i explained it badly. i get why you were angry. i would have been too.

I waited, my breath caught in my throat. 

> Nina: you're a dumbass.