Discovery

I opened my eyes, breathless.

Such heavy feeling. Such disappointment. Or was it relief? I turned to my side. Oh! I cried. I was black and blue. But I wasn't able to see my bruises as the room was pitch black. The only source of light came from my humming laptop. Oh crap, I forgot to shut it down. Then again, why bother? I slumped and turned to my other side. Still, pitch black. This time there was a hue of burgundy. Perhaps the street lamp outside was shining through the curtains. Perhaps.

I heaved a deep sigh. Felt my eyes. Felt my face. There were stains. Of what exactly?

I climbed off the bed disgracefully, wincing at every minute movement. That was the third time a nightmare managed to wake me up this week. I walked blindly across my room, not bothering to switch the lights on. It felt peaceful without them on, contradicting my heart which was running a marathon. Calm down, girl.

I trudged into the hallway, step by step, feeling for the walls.

My whole frail body started to shiver. The unkind weather crept up my bare toes, and threatened to engulf me at its whim. Such cruelty. Such atrocity.

I brought myself into the kitchen. It was bare and dim. But the curtains were waving back at me. Ahah! I finally found the source of this unbearable cold. I scurried to the window, and with all my might, I gave it a good tug.

A cough came from the living room. A stir, and silence.

My heart stopped it's forgoing marathon. I held my breath. The moonlight shone against my body, casting a weird looking shadow on the kitchen tiles. My shadow looked as vulnerable as it's owner. As weak and frail. I ignored the stricture forming in my throat and braved myself into the living room, moving ever so quietly.

Oh... It's you.

You were there, lying on the futon couch. My eyes scanned the room. Your bags were packed, but your coat was resting on the coffee table. Then, my eyes fell on you. The way you propped your head against your arm, eyes tightly closed, breathing softly. You look magnificent in your sleep, yet so helpless.

I came nearer, steadying my new-filled sobs, my unstoppable tears.

You stirred again.

But this time your eyes fluttered open, and were focusing on mine.

I was trapped. A mouse caught in a cage of cheese.