LXXXIX | Resolution

❦

Shuhui is by my bedroom window
smoking a cigarette,

wearing only my shirt
—nothing else underneath.

She turns
when I walk in,

a smile
obscured by smoke.

'How's the date?'

My determination wavers.

It's more difficult
than I thought it would be.

Shuhui
drops her cigarette
out the window

and gives me a hug.

I'm enveloped in ash.

Push her away
and regret it immediately.

That familiar pain
in her eyes.

I close my eyes,
take a deep breath;

the cat's tail
pokes my ankle.

'You can't stay here anymore.'

She tilts her head.

'Did something happen?
'How did she find out? I was very careful.'

'I told her.
'So I can't do this anymore.'

'Can't?'

Her smile is playful.

'Don't. Won't.
'I'll help you talk to your mother,
'let's go.'

Shuhui sits
on the edge of my bed,

smoothing her hair
back into a good girl bob.

'Are you serious?
'You think that'll change anything?
'It's none of your business.'

A snigger/laugh.

'When did you become so lame?'

[Read the full story at novelconbini.com!]