Emma

The anxiety tightens in my chest as I step through the front door, my heels clicking softly against the floor. 

The apartment greets me with its usual silence, though today the silence feels almost unbearable.

All I need is a good sleep to forget my horrible day at work. My earlier near fight with my mom, sets my heart pounding.

The hallway light comes on. I slip off my shoes, feeling the cool floor beneath my feet as I carry my bag and shoes to my bedroom.

I don’t bother with the living room lights or the kitchen. The silence presses against me, and I want to hide from...