Page 95 of Paradox
I hear him throwing things, the shack door slamming, the screen creaking, and something heavy being dropped.
Then silence.
I creep to the bathroom door and press my ear against it.
The crackle of the fire has been present for so long I don’t even hear it anymore.
The only thing I do hear is the screen door swing which means he hasn’t shut it.
I back up until I feel the sink. Then there’s a pounding behind me as the window rattles.
“Open the door, Jintae!”
I spin around.
Adrenaline is pumping through me so fast I feel high.
I’m so exhilarated I flash Eden the bird with both hands.
“Don’t think I won’t break this window to get to you.”
“Go on then.”
He points towards the living room. “Get the fuck back out there.”
“I’m in here, or I’m in the shed.”
Eden steps back from the window. “Come on then. Out you come.”
“Not until you leave.”
I watch as he looks me up and down, then sighs, and it’s like all the fight has left his body. “If that’s what you want,” he says, and walks away.
Dashing to the window, I wait until I can’t see him anymore, and push up the pane.
The rush of cold against my face as I poke my head out cools my unexpected excitement, and drops me right back into the middle of the end.
Pulling myself back inside, I look in the mirror and see five red spots on my face, left there by Eden’s nails.
They’ll turn into bruises by morning, so it’s a good thing I won’t accidentally catch a glimpse of myself when I brush my teeth. Like with the remnants of my black eye. Or his hand print around my throat.
“You’re such an idiot,” I tell my reflection, and return to the window.
“Please don’t do this.” It’s only faint, but now Eden’s at the bathroom door.
I glance outside to where my feet are already hanging as I sit on the sill.
In three seconds I could be out completely.
“I don’t want you to stay in the shed.”
Rolling my eyes, I start to slide out.
“I’m sorry…”
I pause, midway out. But as far as Eden knows, I’ve already left.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
