Door is open
656 Words
Sometimes, dreams feel better than reality.
But what happens when they become more frightening than reality itself?
---
Alisa knew.
She knew it was just a dream.
But she also knew—
If Caitlin ever discovered the truth…
It wouldn’t feel like one.
It would break her.
Completely.
---
It was 5 a.m.
Alisa was awake, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts tangled around one person—
Raffelo.
Enough was enough.
She picked up her phone and typed:
“I know it’s early, but I need to meet you. If you’re free, can we meet today at 3 PM?”
---
Raffelo hadn’t slept either.
Her message lit up his screen.
He replied instantly:
“Where?”
---
“Come to my place. It’s better. If someone sees us together, it’ll be difficult to explain.”
---
MORNING — 9 AM
Alisa was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.
Caitlin’s favorite.
She wanted everything to feel normal.
Safe.
---
Suddenly—
Arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
She flinched.
Then turned—
ALISA
“Caitlin! You scared me.”
Caitlin smiled.
CAITLIN
“We always do this.”
Alisa softened.
ALISA
“How are you feeling?”
CAITLIN
“Much better. Can I go to the studio today?”
Alisa hesitated.
ALISA
“What time?”
CAITLIN
“3 in the afternoon.”
Alisa paused for a second.
That was the same time.
Maybe—
It was better this way.
ALISA
“Okay. But don’t push yourself too much.”
Caitlin smiled and kissed her cheek.
CAITLIN
“I won’t.”
And just like that—
She left.
---
3 PM
Caitlin headed to the studio.
CAITLIN (calling out)
“Alisa, lock the door! I’m leaving!”
The door clicked.
Silence filled the house.
---
Alisa sat with her coffee.
Lost in thought.
Suddenly—
The cup slipped.
Coffee spilled over her top.
ALISA
“Oh great…”
She rushed to clean it.
The door remained slightly open.
---
In a hurry, she removed her stained top and wrapped a scarf loosely around herself.
Just then—
Footsteps.
She froze.
ALISA
“Is that you?”
Raffelo stepped in.
And stopped.
For a second—
Neither of them spoke.
RAFFELO
“The door was open…”
His eyes lingered for a moment before he looked away.
Alisa quickly adjusted her scarf.
ALISA
“Wait—I’ll be back.”
---
She changed into a simple floral dress and returned with composure.
---
LIVING ROOM
She handed him a cup.
ALISA
“Black coffee.”
Raffelo took it.
RAFFELO
“Thanks.”
A pause.
Then—
ALISA
“What’s going on with you?”
Raffelo smirked slightly.
RAFFELO
“Why do you sound like my therapist?”
ALISA
Because we both know why you’re here.
Silence.
Heavy.
---
RAFFELO
“Then say it.”
Alisa looked at him directly.
ALISA
Should we tell Caitlin the truth?
Raffelo leaned back.
RAFFELO
I don’t know.
A pause.
RAFFELO (quietly)
But I can’t forget what happened.
Alisa’s voice softened.
ALISA
Neither can I.
Another pause.
ALISA
But it’s not right… not for her.
Raffelo exhaled.
RAFFELO
Then maybe I should end things with her. This started because of me.
Alisa shook her head.
ALISA
It wasn’t just you.
Raffelo looked at her carefully.
RAFFELO
You regret it.
She hesitated.
ALISA
I regret hurting her.
A beat.
ALISA
Not… the moment.
Their eyes met.
That same pull—
Still there.
Still dangerous.
---
Raffelo stepped closer.
Too close.
RAFFELO
So you don’t regret us?
Alisa didn’t step back.
ALISA
Don’t twist it.
But her voice lacked certainty.
---
To break the tension—
He suddenly reached out and tickled her lightly.
She laughed, startled.
The moment shifted—
From heavy to light.
But not completely.
---
Because beneath the laughter—
There was something unresolved.
Something real.
Something wrong.
---
And neither of them—
Was ready to let it go.
- Writer
