This is a companion piece to ‘Alone in the Dark’
—
You’re alone in the dark until I enter.
I open the door as little as possible, so not enough light falls on you for me to see you, and I close it quickly.
I stand there silently, giving my eyes time to adjust, until I can see the discreet glowing stickers placed on the frame you are strapped to. There are just enough of them that I can orient myself and find you, but you have no idea they are there.
My feet bare, I softly pad toward you, and silently place some of the items I’m holding near your feet, then move around to your left side. I can smell your delicate, floral perfume. I wonder what you look like. What colour is your hair, your skin, your eyes? I’ll never know.
I gently place my hand on you head. You start in surprise. You weren’t even sure anyone had come in, were you? I stroke your hair, thick and lush, and bend to smell it. Clean and fresh.