Don't fall

I close the book that Sarah gave me slowly as I realize I am late. She's right, it's a great book. Very carefully, I pick up the floor board that's loose under the lifted carpet on the corner of my room, under my bed, and put the book in it. Fun fact: that's also where I keep the note Sarah gave me the other day... I place the board on top of it again, cover it with the carpet and push the bed back to it's original spot. Gettin' rid of all the evidence. I go to the third floor and wait for Sarah in the office, as usual. She enters shyly and sits in front of me, nervous.

-Still pretty shaken up by our little therapy session yesterday? -I playfully ask.

-Oh, boy... -She gets looser and giggles.

-It was truly a night of revelations...

-I can't believe I let you put that much pressure on me...

-Oh, please! You gave yourself in seconds, I barely had to speak.

-I was scared okay?! Imagine what would happen if someone found out... Let's just agree to never speak of that again...

-What? A lesbian conversion therapist? It's ironically hilarious, I can't just let it go. -I joke.

-Very funny, my life is falling apart. -She fakes a laugh.

-Well, honey, you're not so special. I get to go to hell tomorrow.

-Oh, right! Sister Monica switched up the dates.

-Yes, she did. Looks like summer vacation is coming early this year... I personally think that she's just trying to punish me.

-To be fair, you do deserve some punishment. -She laughs.

She's right; I'm a prick. I deserve some punishment, but do I deserve this? Reunion with my parents... Ugh. They're not even the problem, I'm sure they'll behave exceptionally well like nothing happened and will completely ignore reality. The real problem is me: I don't want to see them. I already felt nervous talking to them before all this, how am I supposed to feel okay now? Guess I just gotta buck up an get ready for some shit.

I hear knocks on my door after waiting for nearly an hour. As least I had Sarah's book to keep me busy. I open the door to see my beloved Sister Claire.

-The cab has arrived. -She says keeping distance from me.

I pick up my luggage and she escorts me to the parking lot. I enter the cab and we share a total of zero words during the 20 minute trip to my town. Oh, my town... The small buildings and old houses... It's all so beautiful. It's a shame everyone here is an asshole. The cab parks violently in front of my building and I hop out with no hesitation, taking my things off the trunk right after. I ring the buzzer on the buildings entrance and hear the doorman picking up.

-Rosa, 224. -I answer before he's able to ask and he opens the gate.

I enter the building and look around the lobby. This is it. I go in the elevator and press "16", ready to face my demons. I arrive at my floor and walk down the hallway, slowly. The numbers from my apartment's door are easily seen from far. Standing in front of them freezes me completely. It's time. My hands shake as I bring them to a couple of knocks on the door. I close my eyes and look down until I hear the door opening.

-Rosa... -I look up to see my mother, shocked to see me. -I... -She stutters for a brief second.

-May I come in? -I ask with a low voice.

She nods and gives me space to walk in the apartment. She closes the door and walks a few steps in front of me.

-Javi, she's here! -She shouts.