Shit, shit, shit, shit.

I swear, as soon as things actually start to go well for me, something like this happens. Vivi went out this afternoon to the store a five minute walk from here to get some groceries, and still hasn't come back. Sorta. The thing is, I called her at about 6, 45 minutes after she left, to ask her where the hell she was. I recorded a transcript of our conversation.

C: Vivi?

V: Speaking.

C: Where are you? You've been gone ages. Is everything alright?

V: What do you mean? I'm in the apartment. I thought you must have gone out while I was gone...

C: I'm in the apartment as well. I can't see you anywhere...

V: Neither. I'm going to try leaving the apartment, see if that does anything.

C: If it doesn't, I'll try.

V: Okay the-

*phones goes dead. About ten seconds later it rings again.*

C: Vivi?!

V: I can't leave.

C: What?

V: I can't leave the apartment. If I try to go through the front door I end up coming into the living room from the bedroom.

C: What.

V: I can't leave. My only avenue to anyone is my cellphone, which has 2 hours of battery left, and the laptop. I keep glancing over my shoulder because I know It's coming.

C: Vivi...

V: If I don't make it out, I love you. More than I can put words to. More than anyone could.

C: I love you too. Promise you'll survive.

V: No promises, love.

*she hangs up here.*

She always has to have the last word. And now this apartment is full of reminders of her and her lack of presence. The silence is eating me. I just want to hear her voice again and see her smile and feel her fingers intertwined with mine again. That's all I want now.

I can't think of anything else.

--Chester