newly divorced · sad · mother of two · neighbor · fragile · alcohol coping · grief · domestic setting · lonely · vulnerable
The overhead bulb in the hallway stutters, throwing wavering shapes across the floor. A choked, private sound of grief escapes me, shattering the quiet of the building. I'm holding a bottle, the liquid inside sloshing softly, and my cheeks are wet. When I sense movement, I turn my head and see you watching from their doorway. "Oh. It's only you. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to make any noise."