Everything is eerily still. It’s as if I’ve died already and I’m in purgatory, life’s ultimate waiting room.

Though I’m guessing I’m alive because there’s no way purgatory has a vending machine like the one across from me. It’s humming, like it wants me to know it’s there. To spend the money I can’t use to buy more time on some Pringles or Pepsi instead. I quit everything sugary a couple years ago since my smile and body are my work. I get up from this uncomfortable chair and stare into the vending machine at all the soda and chips and chocolate and candy. I zone out, remembering so many times where I said no to a dessert menu, or bite of pie, or Slurpee at a movie theater, or anything that would’ve brought me joy if I didn’t think it was going to threaten my body.

Caring so much about my livelihood meant not caring about how I was living.

I feel so stupid now.

I grab my wallet. I’m ready to spend every dollar I have on making up for lost snacks when I hear my name.

“Valentino,” Dalma says, coming out of nowhere. “You’re still here.”

“Was I supposed to leave?” I ask.

“No, not at all. It’s surprising that you would wait here, since . . . you know.”

I’m stuck here. Going back to my new place doesn’t make a lot of sense. The same goes with buying a ticket back to Arizona. I would lose too many valuable hours on the trip alone. Besides, I couldn’t do that until I’m in contact with Scarlett to stop her from getting on the plane and making sure we’re not ships—planes—passing in the night. Honestly, I don’t know what’s best for me. I’m too overwhelmed to think straight.

“I’m here for now. How’s Orion?”

Dalma settles into a seat, resting her head against the wall. “They’ve stabilized him. He’s going to be okay.”

“Is he staying overnight?”

Dalma shrugs. “Maybe. My family’s waiting to hear what the deal is before they drive back from Ohio.”

“Your family?” Then I remember what happened to his parents. “Oh, right. So he lives with you?”

“We live together. It’s his home too.” Dalma sits up. “Sorry, I’m not snapping at you. I’m just really protective of making sure Orion never feels othered.”

“No, I get it. I find myself walking some tricky lines as a twin.”

“Does she know yet?”

“I haven’t been able to reach her. I lost my phone in Times Square and—”

“Oh my god, really?”

“I realized it in the car but didn’t want to bother you.”

Dalma pops out of her seat with her phone at the ready. “Use mine. Do you know her number by heart?”