I turn to reenter the lobby , but the young man is in front of me . I take in his dark hair , his rosy cheeks , his smile .
I try to weave past him , but he steps in front of me again . “ Look at you . You ’ re scared , aren ’ t you ? I knew you wouldn ’ t be happy on your own .”
He reaches for me , as if to embrace me . I shove him aside . His skin is hot .
I run into the crowded lobby , where people in strange clothes are gathered . My eyes are stinging , catching only their blurred impressions .
A burning hand reaches for me , scraping my back . I burst out the doors to the outside .
And I run .
I sit on the bed at the economy hotel with all the lights on . The T . V . is on full volume , tuned to an infomercial . I ’ m waiting for my phone to charge , trembling all over .
I pull up Facebook and search for Henry . But his account has vanished . I can ’ t find him on Instagram , either . Or Twitter . Or anywhere else . Maybe he blocked me .
I ’ m about to call him when I stop myself . I cannot go back . I call my mom instead .
A year passes . I almost forget the apartment , except for the dreams . Dreams of red carpet , and red walls . Dreams that feel like something out of an old movie . And dreams of
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