Switch

chapter 11

The second car was gone when I woke up.

I stood at the kitchen window. Coffee in my hand.

One car in the driveway. Ryan’s.

The black one was missing.

I drank my coffee.

Ryan came down at seven. Suit. Gun. Same as always.

He poured his own coffee. Didn’t speak.

I didn’t ask.

He sat at the island. Scrolled his phone.

I made eggs. Toast. Set a plate in front of him.

He ate.

I ate standing at the counter.

"Groceries today," he said.

"Okay."

He finished. Stood. "List’s on the fridge."

I nodded.

He grabbed his keys. Stopped at the door.

"House locks at nine," he said.

"I know."

He left.

I washed his plate. Then mine.

The house was quiet.

No Ivan in the guest room. No second set of footsteps. No angry eyes across the kitchen.

I made the list. Chicken. Rice. Vegetables. Soap.

Same list as last week.

I walked to the store. Bought everything. Walked back.

Put the groceries away.

Mopped the floor.

Folded Ryan’s shirts.

At six, I started dinner.

Steak. Potatoes. Green beans.

Ryan came home at seven.

One car pulled in. One door opened. One set of footsteps.

He sat. Ate.

Didn’t mention Ivan.

Neither did I.

After dinner, he went to the office.

I washed the dishes. Dried them. Put them away.

At nine, the locks clicked.

I checked the front door. Deadbolt turned.

Checked the back. Deadbolt turned.

Checked the windows. All shut.

Went upstairs.

Ryan’s office light was still on.

I went to bed.

The guest room door stayed open.

Empty.