Knock, Knock, Knock
It’s late at night, when I hear the faint sound of knocking on my door. I struggle to keep my eyes open and my head is spinning. Empty beer bottles, vodka, rum and gin line the desk. I don’t have the strength for this right now.
Knock, Knock, Knock
“Go away!” I try to yell. My words scrambled, falling from my mouth.
Knock, Knock, Knock, Knock…
The knocking gets increasingly louder, incessant. I know it’s not going to stop. Whoever this is won’t give up. I try to find my balance as I glance at the clock: 1:00am. This is ridiculous. I feel around for the light switch and flip it on, instantly regretting it the second the bright lights switch on. I stumble down the hallway. The knocking has turned to pounding. Now I’m awake, now I’m pissed. “Shut up! I’m coming! Jesus.” I open the door and see you. I’d rather see a man holding a gun to my head than you. “Why the fuck are you here?” I slur my words. You frown. “You’re drunk.” “You’re here. Didn’t I get rid of you? We broke up. Get out of here.” You still walk in despite the fact that I’m blocking the door, almost knocking me over. “Leave now.” I say. I don’t turn around, I’m livid and I know the alcohol doesn’t help. “Will you just listen to me for once?” You yell. I slam the door, turning to face you. “Listen to you? You come to my house in the middle of the night expecting to have a civil conversation. Sweetie, don’t you remember who you’re talking to?” “Maybe if you weren’t such a drunk, there wouldn’t be such a problem.” I move in closer losing control, the alcohol seeming to take over my movements, my words.
Next thing I know I’ve got you up against the wall. I can see the light glimmer off the knife that’s held against your throat. I’m worlds away, reveling in your fear. I’m holding life in my hands, just like you held mine by the string for the last several months. “Shhh…don’t cry. Don’t you trust me? I thought you liked pain?” No, I won’t kill you. Just seeing you like this brings ease to my mind. You’re a liar, a cheat. You’ve encompassed my mind more than I’ve wanted. Now this moment will forever encompass yours. Every time you hear my name, fear will consume you. Every time you see my face, you’ll feel the cold sharp edge of the knife against your skin. This is exactly what I want. Your mistakes will forever haunt you. As for me, I’ll carry on with my life. Never again to speak your name. “Listen to me. I don’t ever want to see you again. Do you understand?” You just nod your head. I can tell you’re holding back tears of fear. I drop the knife to the floor. “Now get out.” You quickly walk towards the door, but you can’t leave without a last word. “I love you.” I shake my head and grab the bottle of vodka off the shelf taking a swig. “Fuck you.” I turn around heading back down the hall, satisfied as I turn off the light and hear the sound of the front door close.
Copyright © 2020 by Danielle Cooper