East Lake

The clock ticks by on the wall. You raise your arms above you and feel your joints click into place. You press play.

"Louis, I need you in by the office by 7 am this time. See you soon."

• click*
• whirrr...*

You turn your head to the darkness out the window and nod on by it, it's enough to give you a semblance of time for now.

• click* The next message starts playing as you make your coffee.

"Louis, remember those papers I asked you for last week? I need copies, hand written, but in blue this time."

• click, whirrr....*

You stir the coffee and watch the milk blend in before moving back through your doorway to set the cup down on your dresser.

• click*

"Louis, I think she's here again. You promised. Please. Make this stop. She's here. I can see here, right next to my desk. I can't do this."

• click, whirr*

You breathe in sharply, not just because you've just pulled your arm through the tight fitted suit jacket. You wait for the next click.

• click*

"Louis, never mind, it's fine. She left. I'm— I'm okay. Just please come here soon please. I know you told me not to stay up late here but, I can't. I can't do this."

• click, whirr*

And you walk back into the living room.

"End of all messages. Last message date 19*bleep*, October 14."

And you lie down on your carpet and curl up a bit as you stare into your ceiling in the darkness. Waiting to hear the sounds of the birds chirping.