- Sometimes, your partner doesn’t feel like talking.

  - Sometimes, it’s because they’re tired. Sometimes… it’s something else.

  - A sticky note doesn’t ask questions. It just says things. Like “gone scavenging” or “don’t wait up.” Or worse—nothing at all.

  ---

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  It started with one.

  “Out for water. Be back by noon. -J”

  Taped to the side of the map. Neat handwriting. No flourish. No joke.

  Then it became a habit.

  Every morning, she was gone before I woke up. Every time, a note. Always taped where I could find it. Always short. Always sharp.

  “East block. Looking for meds.”

  “Taking a different route today.”

  “Don’t follow me.”

  I made a board for them. Called it the “Sticky Note Hall of Fame.” She didn’t laugh.

  I tried leaving one back.

  “Found a new can opener. Dinner tonight?”

  She didn’t respond.

  I told myself she was just overwhelmed. Maybe processing. Maybe she needed space. Or time.

  But deep down, I knew.

  We were still surviving together.

  But we weren’t together anymore.

  And that? That hurt more than any near-death escape.