Page 53 of Left In The Dark

I give a gentle nod and lift my shirt. Shaking his head, his fingers wrap around my wrist to stop me. “In the morning. It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”

Growing too bold for my own good, I ask, “Where do you go when you’re not here? Do you have a family or a job?” Is he out living life with friends while I’m trapped in here, entertaining myself with good memories and single person games?

“Why is that important for you to know?”

“Just starting conversation. It’s been a while since I’ve had one.”

“Fair enough. I was working.” My captor straightens his posture, putting space between us. I can’t help but notice how big the gap is, putting him closer to the door. The one he’ll soon walk out of to leave me alone for hours, and who knows when it’ll open again. When I’ll have another person here to ask questions.

“What do you do?”

His lips press in a thin line, and then he says, “You know I won’t tell you that.”

“Doesn’t hurt to try anyway.” I blow out a breath and he lets out a short laugh.

“No . . . not this time at least.” What would his tone be like if he didn’t use that stupid robotic shit to hide it? Would there be seriousness or humor laced in it? Is hearing it something I have to earn?

“So, you work a lot?”

“Yeah. Between my main job and the farm, I don’t have much time to spare. Any time I do have, I—”

“Spend on me,” I finish for him.

“Yes.” He rocks on his heels, crossing his hands in front of him. “That and sleeping.”

“Do you eat alone?”

His breaths are shallow. “Lately, yes.”

“Lately?”

“I think that’s enough questions for the day.”

He turns around and I shout, “Wait. I’m sorry if I asked another wrong question. Stay a little longer, please?”

Lowering his head, he stays where he is and then nods. “Okay, but only for ten more minutes.” Those deep blue eyes are back on me when he turns around.

“Why do you want to spend the small amount of time you get on me?”

“Because.” He takes a breath. “It’ll be worth it in the end.” All I hear is you’ll be worth it. “Most things that need improvement . . .” he starts again, pausing as the intensity of his stare increases. “Require lots of care and effort. I admit I need to do better when it comes to my part, but I’m learning too. We’re teaching each other, in a sense.”

“Like we both have something to offer to the other?”

“I guess you can say that.”

“I’ll only end up ruining it. It happens with everything. I’m never good at anything I try to do.”

He quickly cups my chin, catching me off guard. “That’s not true. You can’t ruin anything if you truly try. There will be mishaps, but you’ll only keep getting better as you progress. As you learn from your mistakes. We all have to do that.”

My fingers curl in my lap. “But I can’t. It never worked for me.” My chest heaves and I swallow the emotion in my throat. “I can’t do anything right. Not ever.” My eyes water, and he catches the first tear that falls with his finger.

“Oh, piglet. Is that what others told you?” He wipes at my cheek again. “That won’t be true this time around. Not with me. Because you want to be good to earn more privileges, right? You want to help me help you, don’t you?”

I nod, not meaning to. I don’t think I do. “I’m sorry.” I back away.

“For what?” His eyes squint.

“For crying. I know I’m only making a scene and crying is for babies. I’m sorry,” I say again, repressing more tears.