Reunion

Moonlight filtered through the narrow blinds above my bed. Swaying trees created movement in front of the streetlights, like people dancing. Windy. I could hear debris rattling across the concrete, fleeing from the storm blowing in.

My roommate was staying late at the library, so here I was. Alone, in the dark, with a storm coming. I wasn’t afraid, really. I just didn’t like to be alone. A sudden gust blew what sounded like twigs and leaves against the window pane, and I jumped. Dammit. I blew my bangs out of my eyes.

Humming under my breath, I climbed out of bed, and crossed to the kitchenette. Grabbed a coke. The refrigerator’s bright light sweeping the room was reassuring, breaking the tension somehow. I felt better, returned to bed, and flipped on the TV. Infomercials. Just the ticket. With the volume set at a murmur, and the storm outside while I tucked in under the covers, I drifted.

I dreamed of the funeral. I’d sat and stood where required, numb to everything but the burning in my throat, and behind my eyes. But I refused to sink into my grief, convinced the world didn’t deserve the demonstration. So, I never did. She was taken from me, and my faith in the world had vaporized with that betrayal. An accident, they’d said. Unavoidable. My heart stopped beating that day.

The pitch of the wind woke me, and I peeked out the window to survey the damage. Branches torn to the ground, potted plants tipped over and ripped up, lawn furniture upended against the brick. The usual. Still no Melissa, though. Hm. She probably found Steve, went to his place. 1:47AM. Sheesh. Biology was gonna suck tomor—wait.

I held my breath a moment, face close to the glass, as I waited for that sound again. Was like…dragging. Like something was being dragged. There it is. I felt the prickles of cold sweat and goosebumps, as I tried to take a shallow breath and keep listening. Where is that, exactly? Sounds like it’s right outside. God. What if someone’s outside my door?