I delete my reply before sending it to someone who reached out after a long time

This story is for you, when one short message after years brings old hurt and a duty to reply before joy.

Scenes

I delete my reply before sending it to someone who reached out after a long time — At the one “How have you been?” after years, I feel I have to erase my old hurt before saying I’m glad.
If I don’t reply, I feel like a bad person — Even though I never waited for their message, delaying my reply can make me feel like I’m the one who ended the relationship.
Even after hearing their voice, I can’t answer right away — After work, I play the voice message by the entryway, then turn off the screen so I won’t listen again.
Feeling pulled doesn’t mean I truly want it — When a signal comes from a relationship that broke off, attachment wakes first. So a rushed reply may be less about answering them than soothing your anxiety.
Write down your feelings before your reply — In a note you won’t send, write “I’m glad” and “I’m uncomfortable” separately. If both appear, it’s okay to choose your reply tomorrow.
Even if we reconnect, my boundaries remain — Whether you reply or not, you don’t have to return to your old role. Let’s hold the loose end, but not rush to tie the knot.