Agnes Crisler > Status Update
Agnes Crisler
added a status update
hahah I wrote this scene in my book in the middle of the night last night since I couldn't sleep. Enjoy! (in comments)
— Feb 24, 2026 11:44AM
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Twelve…thirteen…fourteen…
Some people counted sheep to fall asleep, but I counted the constellations of glow‑in‑the‑dark stars on my ceiling.
A buzz comes from my phone on my nightstand, alerting me of a notification.
I ignore it and go back to counting.
Whatever it was could wait until the morning.
Eighteen…nineteen…twen—
Another buzz.
And another.
And…another?
I look at my clock and see that it’s 11:56 PM.
Who was texting at this hour?
I grab my phone, squinting at the brightness, and read the notifications on the lock screen.
Hector: Did you know on average a human swallows at least three bugs per year?
Hector: Crazy, right?
Hector: If you don’t agree then I’m not sure what I’ll do.
Maybe if I reply he’ll be satisfied.
Me: Yeah, crazy.
Me: Also why are you still awake?
Hector: I might ask you the same thing.
I roll my eyes and sit up a bit more.
Me: Touché
Me: But I’m only awake because your alerts woke me up.
Hector: Yeah, sure. I knew you’d be awake.
I smirk as I type a reply.
Me: That’s creepy
Me: What else do you know about me?
Bubbles appear instantly.
Hector: Let’s see… you’re leaning on your right side right now.
Me: Woah—do you have cameras in my ROOM?
Hector: Just making a guess since that’s the side I’m leaning on right now.
Unsure of what to say, I just sit there—when suddenly my phone alerts me of an incoming call from Hector.
My heart jumps in my chest, surprised.
Turning my LED lights on, bathing the room in a blue glow, I accept the call.
“Hey there,” Hector says, grinning.
He’s obviously in his bed based on the angle of his face.
His hair looks tousled, as if he’s been running his hands through it, and his glasses are gone.
“Are you even aware of the time?” I ask.
“Of course I am, but who needs sleep?” His voice is gruff but amused.
I talk around a breathy laugh. “Me.”
Hector scoffs, a grin still present on his face. “Sleep is for mortals.”
“Oh really.”
“Yep.” He pauses for a beat. “For all you know, you could be accidentally eating spiders.”
“Mhm, sure,” I laugh, shaking my head.
Hector shifts into a more upright position. “You ready for the tennis match tomorrow?”
I sigh. “Maybe.”
“You know you can still back out… it’s not exactly fair for a bigshot like Sho to challenge you to a match when you’re a beginner.”
I don’t answer.
“Allie?”
“I’m not exactly a beginner…”
“What do you mean?”
“I… used to play all the time. I was even one of the best players in Washington.”
Hector’s eyes widen. “What? Then what are you even worried about? And how come you don’t play anymore?”
“I’m out of practice and…” I stop short. “I just don’t.”
Hector’s expression softens. “Does it have to do with Kari?”
“Yes.”
He’s quiet on the other side of the phone. “I know you’ll do great tomorrow.”
A small smile creeps back onto my face. “Thanks, Hector.”
I pull my blanket a bit higher. “Okay, I actually have to go to sleep for real now. Goodnight.”
“But the spiders!” Hector protests.
“I’ll take my chances,” I laugh, my smile wide.
“Alright then. Goodnight, Allie.”