The Hurt Game

❧ thirty-eight

When I came home later that day, around five in the late afternoon, the apartment was completely silent. The sound of the door closing echoed throughout the halls. I carried the grocery bags towards the kitchen before hanging my coat on the rack and walking to the bedroom and the office. The buzzing sound of the washing machine was the only thing greeting me when I walked in the hallway and pushed the bedroom door open.

No one was inside. I placed my bag on the chair before walking to the opposite room, but even the office was empty. It was almost exactly how I remembered it to be, considering I didn't enter this room in the house a lot. Except some papers were strewn around as if he had left in a haste.

But it was clear. No one was home. I frowned and walked back to the kitchen, reaching for my phone in my pocket. I opened it to find two messages: one from Daniela asking me how I was and one from Royden.

Roy <3: at Tony's. Be back later tonight x

A soft sigh escaped my lips. My heart sank in my chest as my shoulders slumped. I prayed it had nothing to do with our conversation in the morning, but I doubted it.

My eyes glanced over the grocery bags before I inhaled deeply.

You: okay, be safe! I love you

I placed my phone on the counter after having connected my phone to the speaker, music breaking the silence. I heaved one of the grocery bags on the counter and began unpacking the bags, putting everything in their rightful places.

After ten minutes of placing the groceries in the cabinets, fridge and shelves, I decided to order take-out. I didn't have any desire to cook tonight. The day had been long, I was tired and I simply wanted to relax and lie on the couch, watching a movie or series.

While calling the Thais place, I sat down on the couch and curled up. As soon as someone picked up, I placed my order. It would be here in ten.

I grabbed my book, which was lying on the coffee table. A small smile spread across my lips as I saw the two bookmarks in it. I had managed to convince Royden to read the book, but since I read more and faster, we needed two bookmarks; I would not let him dog-ear the pages.

Time passed quickly, almost read ten pages, when there was a knock on the door. I ran towards the bedroom, grabbing a twenty dollar bill and opened the door to reveal a complete stranger. He didn't wear the logo of the Thais restaurant, neither did he have my food. Instead he was in dirty clothes, holes in his jeans and a worn shirt. Quickly I shove my money in my pocket.

"Can I help you?" I asked him, plastering a small smile on my face.

His eyes raked over my body before they travelled over my shoulder. I stepped closer to the doorframe, keeping the door opened partly and blocking most view of the apartment. My stomach tightened with anxiety.

Eventually his eyes met mine. They were the sparkiest green I had ever seen. He licked his lips before he talked. "Are you home alone?" he asked.

I raised my eyebrows as my lips parted. My first instinct was to say 'yes', but the way he looked, carried himself and his eyes never stayed still, I shook my head. "Nope."

He nodded his head and stood on his tiptoes to look over my head, to sneak glances of the apartment. He lowered himself on the ground and glanced over his shoulder, nodding.

My hand tightened on the door and I took a little step back, closing the door even further. "Can I help you with anything?" I questioned him once again.

"It looks rather lonely in there. Is this your apartment?"

"Who asks?" A lump was forming in my throat. I inhaled deeply, but as silently as possible. I didn't want this stranger to know he was making me nervous. I could not show any vulnerability.