(Brad)
I heard the front door open as I came down the stairs.
Lena stepped inside with her bag over one shoulder and her keys in one hand. She paused just inside the doorway like her mind was still somewhere else, then looked up and saw me.
Whatever had been on her face disappeared at once.
She walked past me without a word and headed for the stairs.
I moved aside.
She didn't hesitate. Didn't slow down. Didn't look back.
By the time she reached the landing, she was already reaching into her bag for her phone.
Then she disappeared down the hall.
I stood there for a moment staring at the empty staircase.
That had become normal faster than I wanted to admit.
She came home.
She passed me.
I ceased to exist.
I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge, then shut it again without
