Annabel’s footsteps were gentle on the wood floor as she ascended the stairs. Her heart was light despite the weight of her body.
She arrived at her room, pushed the door open and entered. There was a slight smell of soap and pencil dust in the room and the air was cool.
Turning she softly shut the door. After that she leaned her back against it and exhaled deeply.
Like a blanket, the silence encircled her. She gave herself a quiet smile as she tipped her head back.
She smiled again and whispered “Why didn’t he go to bed?”
A tiny habit she had when she was deep in thought was to lightly bite her finger. As though she could still see Fred downstairs she shifted her gaze to the door.
She smiled softly and said “Even though I tell him not to, he waits every night.”
She moved away
