Anam sticks her tongue out. “I know, I know. Toss me another ball, would you?”

I huff fondly and reach for the volleyball.

Later in the afternoon, I get a text from an unfamiliar number as Anam jumps rope in front of me, doing her daily workout routine.

I would join her except I think I’d last only two minutes before calling it quits. I have this text to deal with anyway.

okay so the prompt is LIE this week

I sigh when I remember Emmitt insisted we swap numbers at the end of last week, ahead of midwinter break. Normally, I would’ve said no, but then he reminded me about his photography contest. Now I have no choice but to humor him.

ME: LIE? that’s it?

EMMITT RAMOS: yeah just one word like always...

I glower at the ellipses, but then the perfect idea blooms in the back of my head.

ME: it’s a loose interpretation right? so it could be like when you lie down? like on your bed?

EMMITT RAMOS: interesting that you choose to mention beds...

ME: shut up oh my god how are you still this annoying over text!!!!!

EMMITT RAMOS: it’s a talent ;)

EMMITT RAMOS: but yes lie down on an object works

EMMITT RAMOS: do you have somewhere in mind ??

EMMITT RAMOS: are you just going to take me to bed bath and beyond

ME: why would I...you know what nvm I don’t even want the answer to that you clown

ME: anyway I was thinking along the lines of like camping

EMMITT RAMOS: like the woods? that doesn’t sound like a half bad idea. could get some good nature shots in

ME: the WOODS?

EMMITT RAMOS: yeah the woods...?

ME: where tf do you think you’re going to find WOODS for CAMPING in new york city?

EMMITT RAMOS: ur the one who suggested it I was merely going with the flow

EMMITT RAMOS: so no to campgrounds then?

ME: uh yeah dude. there are no forests around here

EMMITT RAMOS: I thought you lived in forest hills?

ME: .............names of places =/= literal meaning

ME: anyway we can figure out details during the film club meeting tomorrow stop bothering me xoxo

EMMITT RAMOS: wait so when are we actually gonna go??

ME: we can’t go until thursday if you want good shots

EMMITT RAMOS: what’s on thursday

ME: you’ll see!

ME: now stop texting me ok BYE!!!!!!!!!

EMMITT: BUT WHY THURSDAY

I close out of iMessage, rolling my eyes, but I can’t help but feel a little smug at leaving him in suspense. Anam is now Hula-Hooping, for no apparent reason as far as I can tell, and if I don’t have a video of it, did it really even happen?

“Smile for the camera!” I say, switching apps, and Anam laughs loudly, throwing her head back.

Click.

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