JEWELL | Then

I can't help but think of the woman for reasons I can't decipher. I blame it on my insomnia, having not slept a wink the night before, and there's nothing interesting to think about. The weather is dreary and I hate how the wind carries dust around, hitting me square in the eye as I make my way to my room. I ignore a couple huddled in the shadows not far from where I'm walking. They cling to each other, making noises that disrupt the cool, solemn evening, and I know for a fact that they are under the impression that no one can see.

When I enter the room, a pool of darkness greets me and I quickly flip on the switch and instantly, I can see well again. I throw my messenger bag on the bed along with my car keys and set the grocery bag from the Night Market on the low-lying counter. I open the curtains on my high window to allow cooler breeze in because the room is stuffy. Moving to the kitchen, I settle into a comfortable silence