Since July

She woke and snuck off without a sound as soon as they barged into the room and kissed without turning on the light.

She was sitting on the staircase when he came out into the hallway. She did not look up as he passed her. He turned around and saw the sadness in her face.

He stared at her too long not to say something. “You Beth's roommate?”

“Yes.”

“Where you from?”

“ Palermo.”

“I'm sorry if we....”

“I couldn't sleep anyway.”

“You guys get along?”

“We are not guys.” She had yet to look at him.

“You don't seem very happy.”

“It's late.”

“Did we upset you?”

“No, no.” She was looking up now, but not at him.

“Been roommates with Beth long?” He sat beside her.

“Since July.”

“You like her.”

“No.”

“Because she brings guys to your room?”

“You want to know if you are the first one?”

“I'm sorry,” he said.

“Why?”

“For keeping you up.”

“You were not there for long.”

“Want to get back at her?”

“Excuse me?” For the first time she looked at him.

“You want to keep Beth awake?”

“I am here to speak French, to study French. This isn't French and you are disgusting.”

“I just started out. I not understand.”

“I don't understand,” she corrected.

“I don't understand,” he repeated.

They sat on the staircase in silence.

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words: Jónas Knútsson, Iceland (more)
photo: Steve Wing, Florida (sand shadow)