Open Door

Ceiling. No noise. My bedroom, but what’s different?

How long have I been asleep? Let me get up. The apartment looks odd. Nothing’s changed. Everything is in its place, but…

The atmosphere, that’s it! Everything around me is so still. No traffic noise, no animal sounds. It’s as if I am the only person left alive.

My eyes keep traveling to the kitchen. I’ll have to walk through the livingroom to get there. This is so eerie. I can’t hear my own footsteps.

Okay, I’m in the kitchen. Now the pull is towards the front door. Something, someone? Why? What am I going to find on the other side?

My heart is filling with fear as I touch the doorknob. I’m overwhelmed with curiosity. Is it my instinct that screams go back to bed?

From over my shoulder I can see someone in my bed. Did someone sneak inside? The door is locked. How did this person get in?

I need to know. The other side can wait. Who is this intruder? Yes, get angry. Let it fuel you so that you can defend yourself. Pick up the hammer, quietly, and still no sound. I can’t afford to be distracted by my hearing loss. Get to the bedroom!

No. What is this? How can that be me? I’m me! What is this?

Wake him. NO! Instinct won’t allow. No coming back from the waking.

Tears. Am I dead? The tears are warm against my face.

He, I look at peace. I don’t want to die. Please, let me just lie here. If I just lay on top of me, maybe we can come together.

It’s working! My right foot sank into his/my other right foot. They fit together perfectly. This feels natural, like it was meant to be.

Let me climb into the bed. Fit my other foot. Yes! Much easier that time.

I’ll sit slowly. Gently enter into the torso. I can feel the heartbeat. It’s faint, but both my hearts are synchronizing. Deep breath. I heard that! Lie back completely. Let your head meld with the other.

Ceiling. Traffic noise. Nighttime bird sounds. I hear my breath.

What would I have seen on the other side of the door?