One night, we were out looking at the stars and he kissed me. It was my first kiss and every romantic notion I had of what it was like to be kissed immediately flew out the window. It was sloppy, and he tasted like an ashtray and cheap whiskey. I’m not sure how it happened, but within five minutes, his hands were down my pants, touching me where no hand had ever touched me before—including my own. Before I understood what was going on, I was bare on the bottom half, and he was putting on a condom. It was consensual; he didn’t force himself on me or anything. But I was so incredibly naive. It was all over pretty fast, and I can’t say that I understand what all the fuss is about. If that is what sex is like, then I am happy to remain single.

I didn’t have time in my life for boys or romantic dates leading up to that experience. I left high school and went straight to work to be the breadwinner for Mom and I. I waitressed at the local diner at night, babysat kids in the afternoons, and cleaned for our neighbors in the trailer park on the weekends. In my free time, I looked after Mom. That was it. There was no time for relationships, hobbies, or even college. That path was never an option for a girl like me, anyway.

I sigh and roll my neck. I slept all day and night again, and now as the bright sunlight of a new morning hits my face, the throbbing pain of my bathroom injuries seep in. Aside from a dull headache and a sore hip, I feel pretty good otherwise.

Ignoring the medication, I take the arnica cream into the bathroom with me. While my face is feeling and looking better, my hip is still hurting, covered by a swirl of purple and black.

Just like yesterday, I take a shower, although this time it is cooler and I don’t wash my hair, keeping my braids intact. Drying myself quickly, I step back into the bedroom to see all my clothes. My things from the hotel and my handbag. Everything is freshly washed and pressed, sitting on the dresser. There is also a fresh breakfast tray full of fruit and bread again.

I smell him then. I haven’t seen him since the first morning when he quizzed me, but I know he came. His scent is all around the room.

Changing quickly into my jeans and a simple white t-shirt, I grab the fresh bowl of fruit and make fast work of it. I pause as I look at the bread but decide against it. After I put everything back on the tray, I am sitting on the bed, when the door opens and a small head pokes through.