Wordless Conversations // Phan (sequel to Bring Me Home)

14

I was sat on the sofa with the TV on.

I had no clue what was on, but I wasn't watching it anyway.

Suddenly, I noticed Emma stood in the doorway, hovering.

"Sit down! Come watch... this." I said, smiling at her.

My lips were stretched back so far I thought they were going to snap.

Just pretend you're okay. She doesn't need your problems.

Hesitantly, she made her way over to the sofa and sat down beside me, scribbling on her whiteboard.

How are you?

"Uh I'm fine. I'm okay. What about you? Have you been getting enough sleep?"

I'm very happy, and I've been sleeping so well - it doesn't sound like you have been, though...

I laughed, raising a hand behind my back, "I'm sorry. I've not got the best relationship with sleep!"

Didn't you say someone else lived here?

"Um, yeah. Someone else does live here." I didn't want to say it.
I didn't want to say it.

Where are they?

"I- He's in hospital. He, uh, had a bad fall and now he's..."

I breathed out heavily, willing myself to tell her.

Static was filling my ears, and I could barely hear over the ticking of the clock as I said, "He's in a coma."

Shock.

Horror.

Sympathy.

Pity.

I watched as her face changed.

I'm sorry, that must be really difficult. Were you close?

Don't tell her, she might be homophobic.

If she is, she can leave.

"Yeah, we were close. He was my boyfriend."

Was?

Are you giving up?

Now this girl has come along?

You know you have no chance with her, right?

You know she's not staying?

You know she'll grow to hate you as you fall apart.

She isn't here for your problems.

She's probably got enough of her own.

"Why did your dad kick you out of your house?" I asked.

That's a long story that I'm not comfortable talking about.

"Oh that's okay. Don't worry about it."

What's she hiding?

What happened?

Why is she here?

Why are you being so active? Shush. It doesn't matter.