Into the Dark

by Dana Isaly

No missed texts or calls. I’m so popular.

I’m the girl you see bringing a book with her to social events because I would rather be reading, and because I need something to distract myself from my social anxiety. It’s something to do with my hands and my brain when no one talks to me.

“It’s just a defense mechanism, No Name,” she says, using her little nickname for me she seems to like. “Say something bad about yourself before anyone else has the chance. Control the narrative.”