try th

o

fixture. Then I remember Jerry was loose in the basement. I looked

r, and I answered it to s

gain and try not

I didn’t hav

your p

mouse.”

mou

tside, but inside is a no. Matthew opened the door

use I refuse to hang out with a mouse. I stood there until I heard boots hitt

scratching, tr

water.” Matthew took the container outside and opened it. He released t

emed scary.”

t poison. Other animals consume them.

you had a soft s

t helps to understan

ou a v

ent. Plus, they deserve a chance at life. Now, let

thew finished, placing bulbs in the sockets and securing the globe. He stepped down, re

hen has lights

u learn about

ght me. Grandpa Nash was

ught me to

urrowed h

fend for myself.” I sat down in a chair. “Sinc

of someone you love.” Matthe

home. It’s not much, but I can fix i

went to school to draw

nge majors. When I applied at the hotel, I hoped to get prom

nt to weep in front of him, exposing my failure. My

*

a

isn’t the same girl sitting here. I li

a housekeeper. It’s an honest job, an

eave rooms trashed. It’s j

her. Her face matured, and her br

u meet anyone?” Nora asked

ea

she a sw

kind, funny, smart, and beautiful

r lips. “That’s great. You des

he situation. I don’t wa

ck.” Nora smiled, fi

home repairs, I wouldn’t mind helping

promise not to electro

ance to spend time with Nora. After I

*

o

I wanted to die inside. Once again, I smiled

o you want me to grab you s

unnece

ot a pr

r a burger, fr

be back.”

t with Matthew, and nothing would happen between us

me and give me a cat or do

*

a

nks on the table. Nora opened the bag as I sat

ou a questio

Nora bit

ink you’re good e

d and arched a brow

ve yourself e

left. It’s difficult to meet some

issues with guys, or

n.” Nora sipped her drink.

for Christmas, I came to

k and coughed. I got u

somethin

coughed, grab

y laughter

ou met would appreciate you h

would know I have no in

her seat. “So, you came to see

d me that you and

eyes

w when you ha

quickly and headed to the kitchen sink. She

towards Nora. She

I’m sure it wou

yes met N

u want?” Nora stared

know.” I lean

nk I do.” Nora f

with mine. She put her palms on my chest as I wrapped my arms around h

e broke from our kiss.

” I removed my

*

o

. I didn’t understand what he was doing. Matthew tells

suck with guys. One looks at other girls, another doe

ir my house, myself. I can do this because I’m self-relia