The hallway smelled faintly of paint and rain. She pulled her jacket tighter around herself as she climbed the last flight of stairs, the sound of the storm outside echoing against the building’s walls. She hadn’t been here since the breakup.
The key still worked. Her ex never changed the locks. She slipped it into the door and turned slowly.
The apartment looked the same, maybe a little messier. A couple of takeout boxes were stacked on the counter. A half-empty bottle of beer sat on the table. But the silence was what hit her the most. She’d always hated how quiet it could get in here.
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She just wanted to grab the last box of her things and leave.
“Didn’t think I’d ever see you here again.”
The voice came from the living room.
She fro
