“This phone,” began the stranger behind the counter in Lina’s favourite internet cafe, “has magical properties.”

“Such as?”

“If you don’t like someone just message them.”

“And that’s it? Go on a text rant and that’s magic?”

The man smiled, “It depends on what you are wishing at the time.”

Lina sat down nursing her coffee. Who did she dislike most? A sort of test to prove the man was talking rubbish. Grace would do. Good friend and would appreciate the prank.

“Hi Grace, a weird bloke gave me this magic phone and said if I made a wish in a text something odd would happen. You’re the test so I wish you were dead 😂”

Grace felt her phone vibrate and flipped it open. WTF Lina, I'm not even up yet.

Lina waited for the reply. Nothing. She checked Facebook and noticed an unfriend. Grace. She frowned and went to look for her profile. It was missing. In fact as she watched her friends list populated. Anxiety began to rise. Her feeds were blank and no searches revealed anyone at all. It was as if she was the only one that existed. Same on Instagram, Threads and Twitter.

Grace was up and heading to the cafe. Silly cow, wish I was dead indeed. When she arrived there was a stranger behind the counter

“Has my friend been in? Lina, brown hair and green eyes. Can't miss her as she looks like she carries the world on her shoulders.”

“Never heard of her,” he began, “but someone left this phone on the table. With a note saying, Lina.”

”That's me,” she said frowning.

He handed it over, “Try messaging the owner and see if they forgot it,” he suggested, “but do be careful what you say. It's a magic phone you know.”

In the background a Floyd song was playing, ‘Wish you were here.’