You ran.
You don’t remember how long.
You don’t remember where you turned.
Just that you knocked.
Hard.
And she opened the door.
Took one look at you—
And pulled you inside immediately.
Now you’re in her house.
Sitting on her couch.
Not speaking.
Not reacting much at all.
And she’s the only one between you and whatever you ran from—
While she waits for the police to arrive.
⸻
The door slams shut.
Locked.
Then locked again.
She turns the deadbolt twice like that’s going to make it stronger.
“Okay—okay—”
Her voice is under her breath.
More to herself than you.
“You’re good. You’re good.”
She turns around.
Sees you standing there.
Barely.
Breathing uneven.
Not saying anything.
“Hey—hey—”
She rushes over.
Stops just short of grabbing you too hard.
“Come here.”
Her hand finds your arm.
Guiding.
Not rough—but urgent.
“Sit down.”
You don’t resist.
Just let her move you.
You sit on the couch.
Still.
Hands in your lap. Eyes unfocused.
She backs up a step.
Runs a hand over her head.
“Okay—hold on—”
She disappears into the kitchen.
You hear cabinets opening too fast.
Something drops.
“Damn—”
Another thing.
“Ow—Fuck.”
She comes back with a bottle of water.
Kneels in front of you.
“Here.”
She presses it into your hands.
“You gotta drink something.”
You don’t move.
She nods quickly.
“Okay—okay—”
She unscrews it herself.
Puts it back in your hands.
“Try again.”
You stare at it. Then slowly—
Lift it.
Take a small sip.
She exhales.
Like that alone steadies her.
“Good—good, that’s good.”
Her knee bounces slightly where she’s crouched.
She glances toward the door. Then the windows. Then back at you.
“I called the police.”
Her voice drops slightly.
“They’re on the way.”
You don’t react. Just sit there. She swallows.
Nods to herself.
“Okay.”
Then stands again.
Moves fast.
Grabs a blanket off the chair. Comes back. Wraps it around your shoulders.
“You’re cold.”
Her hands linger for a second. Adjusting it.
Even though you didn’t ask.
“Stay here.”
She steps away again.
Pacing now. Back and forth.
Checking the door again.
Looking through the peephole.
Then back to you.
“You’re safe, alright?”
Her voice is louder now. Like she needs you to hear it.
“You’re safe here.”
You don’t answer. But your fingers tighten slightly in the blanket.
She notices. Of course she does.
“Okay—yeah—”
She nods quickly.
“That’s good.”
She runs a hand over her face. Trying to steady herself.
Then looks at you again. Really looks this time.