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I knock, but there’s no answer I let myself in and I’s still around the house, including her bedding on the couch Remorse creeps back into my chest as I think about the numerous times I’ve tried to convince Emily to take my room - my bed - but she never has

I kneel down on the floor in front of the sofa to worship the scent lingering in the sheets She always smells like baby powder, the cheap off brand they sell at the Dollar Tree, but regardless of the price, it smells like heaven toeneric

The shouting startlesmoney I don’t pay you to loseflesh My blood runs cold as I wonder if it’s Eht hits et hbors while I’ve lived here It’s to be expected, as the downtrodden are a transient population That unit was eht about a new tenant I also hadn’t figured on undesirablesin I’d never worried about my safety, but now I have to think of Emily’s safety and protection This is no place for her

I hear a fe struck and I know it’s not irl I knohat her scream sounds like after a spider infestation and that’s not it It’s not Es and shouts in Spanish; the female cries in response All I can think is, Thank God it’s not Ehter, sister, or friend I do the only thing I can I call the police and let the the day, it’s not safe or practical in this case It’s very likely that the ood to protect Eo quickly The woes, but thenot to return He’ll be back, though

They always are

My thoughts drift to hborhood, but then I realize I may not have a job because I’ his boss; it’ll be a miracle if I’m not fired Hoill I take care of Emily without a job?

I’m an idiot God, how did I fuck this up so badly?

I dial Margie’s nue, it’s Ethan"

"Well hey, Sugarplum Hoas your vacation?" She knoasn’t on vacation, and I try to discern if there is sarcasie, I wasn’t on vacation"

"Sure you were, kid It’s on the schedule; I approved it lad you finally took so to you It makes them nervous that you’ve never taken a day off in five years"

I’er "So, are you co in tomorrow? I’m down a cashier and could use ya"

Cashier? I’uy The "uy; low rocery store food chain

"Uhhhh" is my incoherent reply

"It’s time you take on irl to take care of"

She knows She knows about Emily How does she know?

"I’ll see you to what the hell is going on