Chapter 17: Regrets

The keyhole laughs at me from its stationary position on the door lock. The opening is there, but I cannot get my key to fit inside. I panic. Did Finn change the locks on me? Did I break one of the apartment rules and not realize it? Did I walk past my possessions thrown out on the curb or have they already been picked over by the neighborhood vultures? How much would be left on a Saturday morning?

"Your key is upside down, Aspen." It sounds like Finn's voice, but I'm afraid to move my head to guarantee it's him.

My entire existence depends on keeping my body as still as possible. Any sudden movement and I might lose everything in my stomach right here on the floor. I worry puking in the hallway would violate Rule 6: No hallway adornments. Either way I can't imagine it would be looked upon favorably.

"Huh?" I question and hope the simple one-word response can convey what I need it to.

Finn shuffles closer, as if he's approaching a wounded animal and I might attack at any moment