Collapse

The motion stops, and I’m at home. Some time passes before I realize I’m still sitting on the bicycle and haven’t moved. “Oh, sorry,” I apologize as I get off. “Thank you,” I nod, before I forget. Araceli nods, then bikes off at a brisk pace. I shuffle inside before my mind can come up with a worse idea. Thank God I already ate. It’s late, and thankfully there’s just the usual bustle of my roommates winding down for the day. Iris is playing some video game, and Josemarie is –

“...Ramicia, are you alright?” Josemarie was washing dishes, her welcoming smile stiffening into a frown of concern.

I look at her, and my head starts to come into focus. I pause and look down a little, really considering the question. She gently puts down the dish and sponge she was holding, waiting for my answer. After some consideration I say, “I’m not sure. I’m not hurt, but I am overwhelmed.” I look at her and add, “I’ll have a better answer for you tomorrow.” I bid her goodnight, head to my room, throw off a few articles of clothing, collapse into bed, and stare at the dust in the corner of my room that I’ve been meaning to clean until I pass out.

Next