t want

ted to be

els were thick, the mirror spotless, the soaps lined up like soldiers. But nothing felt... mine

et it burn. Just a little.

d me. Eyes too wide. Lips dry. Hair limp

ed like she'd been erased a

too perfect. Everything fit too well. Like he'd guessed my size,

iet. Not peaceful-tense. Lik

room by accident. O

tting at the head of the

. Just cut a piece of something

ure if I was supposed to mo

out glancing

warmth. No ro

sa

ing for me. Eggs. Toast. Somet

touch a

d. Of cou

ked, voice soft lik

ok my

e cup made the smallest

ventually," he said.

ngry," I mu

'll c

sounded. Like he knew m

He ate. I watched

ient, practiced. Nothing wasted. Even t

o lived. He was a

ing at your plate like it o

ked. "

sorry. B

him, startle

. That means you'll earn your keep. Unless you'd

ouldn't tell if he was jo

me to do?" My voic

ot fast-just close enough t

hin. Lifted it

't decid

ed his hand a

er the door closed. I just sat ther

de me curled t

stood something I d

't hurt

t

s wai

waiting