Every time Hayley leaves for a few days, the apartment feels empty. Maybe empty doesn’t even cut it. Hollow, more like. We got married almost five years ago, and even though she doesn’t leave me alone too often, she visits her family in Wisconsin from time to time. Sometimes I go. Usually I stay behind. For work. When Hayley’s breathing steady next to me, I sleep like a goddamn baby. Otherwise, I’m up all night. My mind wandering, racing.
Knowing I’d be knee-deep grading final essays and exams, she understood I wouldn’t be joining her on this particular getaway. The trip couldn’t commence until she made sure I had everything settled; food in the fridge, instructions for the washer and dryer. Thankfully she stopped short at posting a list of emergency numbers on the fridge, held in place b
