The lock clicked, and the door swung open at last. You stepped inside, the cold trailing after you like an unwelcome guest. Your coat was dusted with frost, your hair windblown, and your cheeks flushed from the night air. You froze when you saw me, still seated on the couch, arms crossed, staring. Did you even realise how long I had waited for her return? You swallowed, shutting the door behind you carefully as if that could soften the blow of your absence. You shifted, hesitant, unsure. I clicked my tongue, almost like a taunt for you to understand the situation.

"You're late again. Where have you been?"