Mom is volunteeting at a clinic today. She says she will be home until later. One of her many campaigns to save the world doesn't include dinner for us. I'm fine with that. Dad is already gone. He works from eight til whenever. Usually getting home after I get out of school. I'll be fine here for the day. I tell mom bye. She tells me to have a good day at school and she's out the door, stringing chaos and perfume in her wake. I finish my cereal and go back to bed.
When I wake for the second time the sun is shining through the windows. I push the curtains back then check the home voicemail. Mrs. Cope's voice is nasal yet sweet, but she speaks my deception. I haven't shown up for school today. She wonders if I'm okay. I delete the message. I'm hungry. A sandwich sounds good with chips. It takes a few mins to make then I'm in front of the television.
Mindless and endless. There aren't many channels to lose myself in. Basic package. Nothing looks good except Food Network. After a few shows and how-to's later I'm foraging the pantry craving pasta.
The doorbell rings. I pause. Pulse racing. Adrenaline pumping. Body flustered. I peek out the kitchen window. It's a car I don't recognize. Maybe they'll go away.
It rings again followed by a knock. Shit. I ease toward the noise. A silouette shifts outside. The glass distorts the face and body, but there is something familiar there. I'm not sure i should be releved or terrified. I unlock and open.
I want to slam it shut. I want to scream and run away. I don't. I can't escape. I can't escape him.