They come back when I let go. Why?
A message that arrives after you have stepped back can feel connected to that change. Timing alone cannot establish that he sensed your withdrawal or came back for attention. It is worth reading what the new message actually offers.
A greeting reopens contact; an apology or specific proposal adds different information. Your reply can ask what he wants now without treating the arrival itself as evidence that the previous difficulties have changed.
The line you can send
What are you hoping for by getting back in touch? I'd like to be clear before we start talking again.
Yours will sound different
Bring the message you keep rereading. The first reads are free, and nothing is sent to him.
Ask about mine