Five Days to Go

The car door is heavier than I expect. Like a metaphor for the way my heart feels, how my feet feel as I lift them with every step.

I sit down and the door closes with a loud thunk. At this point, all I can hear is the steady beat of my heart in my ears. Pounding.

Ryker doesn’t look at me. He’s facing the window, his breath heavy, like he’s struggling with his own control. His eyes watch the hou