She tried watching a show, then another, but ultimately gave up and turned off the television. He came in about half an hour later. She heard the lock slide into place, surprised he even bothered to lock up in such a small town. He kicked off his shoes and she heard him walk down the hall, past her room and into the bathroom where he quickly brushed his teeth, leaving the water running the whole time. He turned off the light, making the hall dark and she heard his feet as he walked. She felt the urge to call to him, strong and insistent. Undeniable. She pushed the pillow away from her chest, whispering quietly, too quietly to be heard, “Eric.” But a second later, the door pushed open, Eric's hand holding onto the edge as if trying to hold himself in place. “Yeah baby?” Lena took a deep breath, pushing herself into a seated position. She needed to tell him to go away.
