We are in a motel room twelve miles outside the city limits. I’m staring at the ceiling, trying to ignore the smell of the sheets below and the blood stains on the ceiling above. Sparrow is taking a shower.
She hasn’t said a word. But she didn’t object when I suggested we get this place.
I take out my phone. No messages.
Sitting up I grab the remote to the old square TV. The news should be on.
I watch a story about pet adoption, before the real news hits. A female reporter, with bright red hair stands outside the 7-11. They have no current leads.
I flick the TV off, toss the remote aside. Look towards the bathroom, noticing the shower has stopped. I get up, knock on the door.
“Sparrow? You alright?”
I hear a whimper. I push the door open slightly and see Sparrow Sprite, naked, curled in a ball inside the off white tub. Her eyes meet mine.
Ghosts in her eyes.
——Continued