Algorithm Memory

One notification—shining apple red. I assume it’s one of my few regulars, with a meme a reel or two to make my day.

But not today. Today, it’s you.

And it’s not just a simple message. When I click the heart notification, your name and picture appear not once, but two!

After years of on-and-off behind closed doors, midnight texts, and private messages, finally—a public gesture, however trivial and mundane.

I’m excited and perplexed. What part of my Insta-persona made you change the game?

But no matter....

I squeeze every drop out of the “like” notifications. I load and reload the chosen content. I’m proud of me, my heart is happy.

It feels like love—are you ready to marry me? Are you ready to see me in the daylight? Or did the algorithm just remind you I exist?

---

But, once the rush is over, I sit and wonder if you know —

It’s been so long, so many months of ghosting. Even for breadcrumbing this is just too low.

Two notifications cannot make up the time and distance I have waited day and night.

I wish I’d left those as unread, and carried on my lonely way.

Instead of letting hope bloom, even for a second, let alone another day.