The Old Phone Number

Nishi and her cousin Amadi grew up next door. They were close as children. They moved to different cities after college. They texted every week.

Lately, Amadi never answered her messages. Nishi sent jokes, photos, and questions. Nothing ever came back.

She felt hurt and confused. She started to think Amadi was too busy for her. Maybe he found new friends in his new city.

The family reunion happened in July. Nishi almost skipped it that year. In the end, she decided to go.

At the reunion, Amadi ran straight toward her. "Nishi! I missed you," he said with a big smile. She stared at him, unsure what to say.

"You never answer my texts," she said quietly. Amadi looked confused. "What texts? I never got anything from you."

They checked their phones together at the table. Nishi still had his old number saved. Amadi got a new phone last year.

"That explains everything," Amadi said, laughing. He saved her real number right there. Nishi saved his new one too.

They spent the rest of the party together. They shared old stories and new plans. Amadi promised to text her that night.

Later that night, her phone buzzed once. It was a message from Amadi. It just said, "Testing! This one works."

The next month, they planned a video call every Sunday. Nishi marked it on her calendar. She never wanted to miss him again.