WEN: 096A33
Exhibitor Name: Daniella Smith
Division: Creative Writing--
Class: 04 Short Stories (
Silence fell between us, and I reached for a blanket in my backpack. “I want to help you.”
She observed the folded blanket in my hands and frowned. “Why?”
“I don’t know,” I said, shuffling closer to the bathtub, “but you looked like you really wanted to leave.”
“I do.” She looked like she was on the verge of tears. I handed the blanket to her, and she took it. Slowly, she wrapped the cloth around herself. The look of suspicion didn’t leave her face, but now it was subdued.
“Do you have any shoes on?” I asked.
“Heels,” she said and pointed to the bathroom door. There lay the heels I saw her wear the previous day, and I shook my head. I pulled out the pair of sneakers from my backpack and handed them to her.
“These won’t hurt your feet as much.”
“I- you want me to wear these?”
Slipping my boots on, I nodded. “I assumed it would be difficult to run outside with heels on.”
“I don’t think I have the energy to run.”
“I’ll help you - I have water if you need it.”
She pursed her lips in thought. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
I waited patiently for her to slip her sneakers on, and I held out a hand when she finished to help her out of the bathtub. Her hand was shaky in mine, and I led her out of the bathroom and to the front door. I heard her breath catch in her throat as we passed Wyatt’s bedroom, and I pulled her along gently to urge her forward. When we finally reached the front door, I turned the doorknob with a cautious hand. As soon as it clicked open, I ushered the woman out the door and closed it behind me.
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