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Valentina

I never take the yello of a light bulb or the blue staccato flicker of the television screen for granted Looking for signs of life is an ingrained habit for people like me, people who live in fear Already from the corner, I strain le of ourstares down at me Black Dark

Oh, my God

Charlie!

My palms turn cla stairs to the second floor, al on the last step A jerk on the handle confirms the door is locked Thank God Someone didn’t break in, attack Charlie, and leave him for dead I drop my keys twice before I fit the

The damn lock oing to break off in the door I force until the key turns In reet s

The darkness is hts doesn’t expel the e up in my throat A hollowness settles in my chest as I take in the bowl of half eaten Rice Krispies and the glass of milk on the table

“Charlie!”

Even if I knohat I’ll find, I run to the bathroom

No one

“Dammit”