shadows of love

His laughter

The next morning I didn't feel like getting up. I was so tired. Living in this place felt completely exhausting. I cleaned, cooked, worked all day, and still got yelled at for everything.

I stepped into Santiago's room and looked around.

No one.

I smiled to myself, but my hands were shaking. If I wanted to survive in this house, I needed him on my side.

But what did a guy like Santiago even like? I started thinking about the girls downstairs. Guys always seemed to like girls who were pretty, loud, and knew how to flirt. I couldn't do any of that. I didn't have their clothes or their confidence.

Then I thought about the stories I used to read. Maybe if I sang for him, he would like me. Like a prince falling for a girl's voice. It was a silly thought, but it was all I had.

Then Santiago walked out of the bathroom.

His hair was wet and water was dripping down his shoulders.

I quickly looked away, my face burning.

He noticed me.

What are you doing?

I got nervous and swallowed hard.

I came to clean your room.

Then clean.

He sat down and didn't look at me again.

My heart was beating in my throat. I took a deep breath and started singing. It was a song I always heard from a roadside shop on my way home from work. At first my voice was quiet and shaky, but then I noticed him looking up.

I thought it was working. I even started to smile.

Then suddenly, he laughed.

It was a loud, harsh laugh that cut me right off.

I stopped instantly, freezing in place.

He looked at me like I was an alien.

Are you crazy?

I just stared at him, my face turning bright red.

What are you doing? Cleaning?

He looked completely confused.

No.

Singing.

Singing?

He repeated the word slowly and then laughed even louder.

You call that singing? You're really crazy.

Tears stung my eyes. I lowered my head and ran out of the room as fast as I could, wishing the floor would just swallow me whole. I couldn't believe I embarrassed myself like that.