*Everly*

I glance around at the disarray of clothes strewn about, the buttons littering the floor, the mattress stripped bare, the curtainless window, the dust-coated floor.

“Please leave”. He mutters, hunching over slightly, pressing his hand to his side, no doubt suffering excruciating pain from his wound. But I see more: his humiliation at me discovery of his secret.

The strong man who has protected me, provided me with sanctuary, appears defeated, and it tears into my soul.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Sit in that chair by the fireplace while I get sheets for the bed”.

“I don’t want sheets. I can’t stand them”. Gingerly, he eases himself into the chair....