I remember thinking that maybe sharing a house for a week would soften all of us.
The children ran in and out of the surf until their hair went stiff with salt. Michael looked younger than he had in months. Ashley kept offering to take pictures. I remember thinking that maybe sharing a house for a week would soften all of us.
Then I noticed I was missing.
The second time, I smiled and let it go.
By the fifth, I knew better.
When she realized I was behind her, she barely looked up.
Ashley was standing near the towels with her phone in both hands. I walked over quietly enough to see what she was doing before she noticed me there.
She was not fixing the light.
She was dragging the frame inward until I disappeared.
When she realized I was behind her, she barely looked up.
