NOWHERE SAFE
345 Words
By the time I pulled into the driveway, the rain had slowed to a fine mist, softening the sharp edges of the night. Ryan’s car was already there — a sleek black machine that looked out of place in the quiet neighborhood.
I sat for a moment longer, listening to the cooling tick of the engine. The photograph in my coat pocket felt like it was burning through the fabric.
Inside, the house was warm, the faint scent of cedarwood cologne announcing Ryan’s presence before I saw him. He was in the living room, lounging on the sofa with a drink in hand, scrolling through his phone.
“You’re late,” he said without looking up.
“Traffic.” My voice was steady, casual. I didn’t take off my coat.
His eyes flicked to me, sharp and assessing, before drifting back to his screen. “Mm.”
I headed for the stairs, my heart thudding against my ribs. Every step felt like it might echo too loudly, every movement a risk. Upstairs, I slipped into the bedroom and shut the door quietly.
Where could I hide it? The closet was too obvious. The nightstand — the first place he’d check. I considered the floorboard near the window, but I’d need tools, and Ryan could walk in at any second.
Then my gaze landed on the old porcelain vase on the dresser. A gift from his mother. He hated it but kept it out of politeness. He’d never bother touching it.
I lifted the lid, the hollow inside just big enough. Carefully, I slid the photo in, folding it once to fit. The paper crackled softly before disappearing into the darkness of the vase.
A knock startled me.
“Elena?” Ryan’s voice, low and close.
I replaced the lid in a heartbeat and turned toward the door. “Yes?”
The knob turned slowly, and his face appeared in the gap, a faint smile playing at his lips. “We need to talk.”
And just like that, I knew — the night wasn’t over.
- Writer
