Clover darts across the living room just as he begins going up the stairs.
His mood swings are interesting. I hope that he is actually tired and hadn’t just wanted to stop our conversation. I swore it was going well.
Turning from the stairs, I put the food away, my thoughts swarming with him. I wrestle with myself—should I fight to stop thinking about him, or just let myself suffer since it makes me happier to do so?
16
It’s definitely a cold.
I’m blaming it on the upstairs shower never getting warm, and the sudden drop in temperature my body clearly wasn’t ready for.
Keoni hadn’t helped either, even if he didn’t realize what he was doing. The way he looked at me, touched me—it set my heart racing. I was getting lightheaded simply from cooking, but his proximity and touch amplified it. To be honest, I feared I was going to throw up on him.
So, I did the only thing I could think of—run.
Ugh.
I haven’t really gotten out of bed since then, not even after Keoni left for work the next morning. I’m not sure how long it’s been. I got up once for water from the upstairs sink, but otherwise, I’ve stayed buried under blankets. Clover curls at my side, shifting between my legs like she belongs there.
When my phone buzzes, I groggily reach for it. Relief washes over me when I see it isn’t Michael. God, I hope he just tossed outmy things and moved on. Stuff can be replaced, my mental health on the other hand? It’s on the verge of completely shattering.
The text I received was from Alysa.
Lefty
I’m so sorry it’s taken me so damn long, but I sent the keys to the Boulder apartment.
No problem. Not feeling good atm, talk later.
Oh shit. Please fucking tell me it isn’t Michael.
I swear to Christ I’ll kill him.
No. Pretty sure it’s a cold.
And you’re all alone out there… damn it, righty…
I’m shameful for not telling my sister that Keoni is living here with me. Or, more accurately, that I’m living here with him.
So, instead of correcting her, I continue with a partial lie. Technically, I am here alone… right now…
Food delivery service is a life saver.
Sending you all my love. Talk later.
Placing my phone down, I throw my arm over my eyes and release a throaty groan. I’m certain I have a fever, and my body is trying to sweat it all out. There was no medicine in the pantry up here, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to get back upstairs if I crawl downstairs.
I could cuddle up on the couch… or maybe in Keoni’s sheets. He won’t be back for a few days. Sunday, I think is what he mentioned when he was leaving.
My pillow vibrates, and I fumble for my phone with heavy fingers.
Keo.
Even seeing his name makes me feel a little less sick.
Keo
I was thinking about it, and I find it weird we never went camping together. You know, as a family.
