VENUS
I was in Emmaline’s house, lying on a bed in their basement they had converted to a room. Someone was knocking on the door but I was not fit for company. When Emmaline had opened her door to me, I had taken a bath mechanically and fell asleep facing the wall. I woke up in the same position and was unwilling to leave the bed.
Emmaline’s voice came softly through the door. “You can’t hide in there forever, Vee. Are you alright? Can I come in?”
“I’m...fine.” I wiped angry tears from my face. I was tired of crying, my head aching terribly. My eyes were swollen and I resembled a bloated tomato.
She sighed, her pity echoing more than words. “I have to go give the baby a bath. Please, come down for lunch when you are ready.” Her footsteps disappeared with her and silence retur
