Just checking.
The cabinet’s messy now.
And my shaving bag’s unzipped.
That’s what makes me pause.
I crouch.
Open it.
Toothpaste.
Travel toothbrush.
Mints.
Hair gel.
Three condoms.
Unused.
All still there.
Nothing missing.
So what was she?—
I shake my head.
You’re being paranoid.
She had a headache.
That’s it.
I zip it up and put everything back where it was.
Turn off the light.
Go back to bed.
She’s already curled up, half asleep, reaching for me.
I slide in behind her and wrap my arm around her waist.
She relaxes instantly.
Like she belongs there.
Like nothing’s wrong.
Like I imagined the whole thing.
And after a minute?—
I convince myself I did.
