House Sitting

December 23rd

Only for a few days, he said. The small box on top was starting to shift on one side but you managed to balance it out. The grocery bag in your other hand was a hindrance on its own. Despite all that you tried to open the door. The keyhole was all scratched out but that unsteady shivering hand finally managed to unlock the damn door. You kick it closed as you enter, a punishment for its disobedience. After all it had been through, maybe it had a right to be?

Only a few more moments and the eyes would've adjusted, but you couldn't wait. There was always something unsettling in the darkness making you feel uneasy. In the corner of your eye, you could see someone just standing there and watching. Watching and waiting. It would take some time to remember where the light switch was, but then again, blindly frisking the wall turned out to be much faster. No one was there. The kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom, the terrace; you walked around and made a mental map of the apartment. It was a bit cold, so you turned on the heat. Oh right, the groceries... They were still in the hall. You pulled out a can of beer and sat in the armchair. It was an ugly beige armchair, but you couldn't deny the comfort. They say you could tell the owners apart by looking at their pets, but you always thought you could tell a lot about the owner just by looking at their furniture. Their tastes, their style, personality... and this armchair was exactly like its owner. The armchair was facing the window. It was snowing.

December 24th

"..he police have not been able to identify the suspects. There has been an increasing number of reports that people's homes have been raided by burglars. Witnesses say that.."

The news made you uncomfortable so you turned it off. Only for a few days, he said... The doorbell rang again. It seemed as if your brain didn't process the first one and you just became aware that it rang twice. That must be Henry, he was early....

You: "Hi Henry."

Henry: "Hey man."

Henry: "Jeez, how long does it take to open a door, it's freezing."

You: "Sorry, come on in."

You: "Also please take the shoes off, I don't want to make a mess here."

Henry: "Sure thing."

You took his coat and put it on the coat rack. It seemed too big for his size, you know because you were similarly built, just holding it you could tell it was too big even for you.

You: "Want a beer?"

Henry: "Sure, thanks."

Henry: "I'm glad you invited me. I have been going through a rough time lately with Sharon and this is just what I need. And I suppose you'd like some company, I don't want to be..."

You: "You're not bothering me, Henry."

You cut him off.

You: "It's just as you say, I feel better having some company. So, what's going on between you and Sharon?"

Henry: "She just doesn't understand man. She says I don't take her out anymore, I don't talk to her anymore. But you know what she's the same, when was the last time she did something for me?"

You: "I.."

Henry: "That's right! I go to work, bring home money, and not even a meal after a hard day's work is waiting for me and she threatens me with a divorce?? 'Well why didn't you eat with that lover of yours' she says."