Scarlett tried to break the silence, her voice overly cheerful as she talked about mundane things. But I didn’t respond, keeping my eyes on the road, my grip on the steering wheel tight.
Later that night, as we lay in bed, Scarlett curled up against me, her slender arms draped across my back.
It was then I spoke, my voice soft yet cutting. “Scarlett, why do you smell like someone else? A scent I’ve noticed before... but not on you.”
Her body stiffened instantly. She shot out of bed, retreating into the bathroom so quickly it was almost comical. “That must be the disinfectant from the infirmary!” she called out, her voice trembling. “I’ll just take a quick shower. You don’t have to wait up, honey.”
I lay there listening to the water run, my eyes fixed on the ceiling. Two more days. Two more days, and this will all be over.
***
The next day, I woke to the scent of food wafting into the bedroom. It was nearly noon. Scarlett entered with a radiant smile, her voice sweet as honey. “Darling, wake up. I made all your favorites!”
At the dining table, she sat across from me, her eyes glued to my face as I ate. “I’m staying home today,” she declared. “I want to spend every second with you. Just you and me, together forever.”
For the rest of the day, she stayed true to her word. She clung to me like a shadow, ignoring her constantly buzzing phone.
We watched cheesy dramas, played old two-player games, and laughed at nothing in particular. For a fleeting moment, it almost felt like the old days. Almost. But I knew better.
As night fell, the doorbell rang, breaking the illusion. Scarlett rose to answer, her voice light. “Who could that be at this hour?” Her tone shifted abruptly when she opened the door. “What are you doing here?”
Carter’s voice followed, low and pitiful. “I had nowhere else to go. Won’t you let me in?”
When he stepped inside and saw me, his face lit with an exaggerated expression of surprise. “Henry! I didn’t realize you’d be here. My hotel had issues, and Scarlett mentioned you had a guest room. I hope it’s not too much trouble?”
I glanced at Scarlett, whose face had paled, her hands fidgeting nervously. “Of course,” I said, keeping my tone even. “Make yourself at home.”
I excused myself to fetch some spare pajamas while Scarlett led Carter to the guest room.
***