6.28.25: Try Harder

Ellie found the tooth under her pillow, but no money. Just a note: “Nice try.” Confused, she asked her mom, who laughed. “Probably your brother.” But that night, another tooth appeared. Then three more. Not hers. Not human. More notes: “Try harder.” “We’re waiting.” Ellie stopped sleeping. Her pillow bulged. X-rays showed nothing. Dentists shrugged. But she knew. The sixth night, she didn’t check. She burned the pillow. Moved. Changed beds. New city. Still, the note found her: “You can’t quit now. You’re part of the exchange.” This time, she left it under the bed. Just in case.