The cigarette found its usual place between her index and middle fingers, joining her in a heavy silence. The place where her mouth met the cigarette was stained red by her lipstick. As she inhaled, the nicotine trailed a buzz through her veins. She exhaled deeply. She sat there in silence, letting the smoke surround her, hoping that maybe it would hide her from everything. Unfortunately, as the cigarette burned away and all that was left was the filter, the air around her cleared up. She dropped the butt of the cigarette on the ground, making sure to press her shoe firmly on it, so only ashes remained.
She stood up from the steps of the building and made her way into the cold lobby. Waiting for the elevator to arrive, she checked her phone three times, waiting for a text to tell her that she had dreamt it and that he was waiting for her behind their apartment door. But as she stepped out of the elevator and approached the freshly painted door, she could see the old orange color peering through, warning her not to enter.
Maybe she should not. But before she could convince herself to turn around, walk away, and never turn back, her feet unconsciously carried her to the front door of apartment 38. She found her hand on the doorknob and inhaled deeply. With a click of the door opening, she submitted to the harsh reality. She pushed the door ajar with an exhale and walked into their apartment.
YOU ARE READING
empty space
RomanceIn a whirlwind of changes, Chiara finds herself alone, confused, and lost. Will going back and digging up the past or running away to Madrid or maybe Budapest solve her problems? She is on a journey to find out just that, and maybe she will see her...
