The Space Between

"Why do you always look at people like they're about to disappoint you?"

Vera doesn't answer.

Because they usually do.

She has spent years believing she understands people. Most are pretending. Most are performing. Most never become who they claim to be.

Then Caleb happens.

He sees the same cracks in the world she does-yet somehow remains open to it. His presence refuses to fit the story she's already written about him.

"You've already decided what I am," he says. Not angry. Just certain.

She doesn't deny it.

"Am I wrong?" she asks.

He almost smiles.

"That's what you're afraid to find out."

Vera is certain she has figured him out.

The problem is that she might be wrong.

And for the first time in a very long time, she isn't sure which possibility scares her more.