SHE

My eyes remain on the door handle, and once again, I try rattling it, it stayed the way it was, locked. I choke back how I felt, reminding myself over and over of my place in the house, a temporary guest, nothing more, he had a life to live that he didn’t concern me.

“Rachel?” He called out from the other side, startling me, he sounded so close, like he was pressed against the door. I clear my throat,

“It is you, I wanted to know who it was.”

“Is there something you wanted to talk about?” His words betrayed nothing, he sounded as composed as he usually did.

It was probably nothing right? Even if it were, would it be my business?

“No, nothing. See you tomorrow.” I say and at the same time, I spin on my heels, already retreating. Explaining to myself that it was fine for him to not want to face me, it was none of my business, but even as I collapsed on my bed, I felt some weird emotion choke me, it pressed tightly against my chest, threatening to spill out of my eyes.

I forced myself