Chapter 3 - The Woman in My Robe
Madeline moved silently down the hallway.
The wooden floorboards she knew by touch creaked beneath her shoes as though warning her to stop.
The kitchen door stood partially open.
Andrew was between Elise’s knees.
Elise sat on Madeline’s wooden table wearing the white linen robe Andrew had given Madeline after her accident.
They were kissing.
Not like two people making one reckless mistake.
Like two people at home.
Andrew’s hands moved across Elise’s waist with practiced familiarity. Her bare feet rested on the blue chair Madeline had painted herself years earlier.
Madeline stood in the doorway.
The blind woman watched them.
For several seconds, she felt no rage.
Only terrifying clarity.
A coffee stain on the counter.
Red polish on Elise’s nails.
Andrew’s phone beside the sink.
The screen lit with a message.
She’ll never see clearly enough to understand. After the sale, we leave.
Elise pushed Andrew away slightly.
“Are you sure she won’t be back before tonight?”
Andrew laughed.
“Madeline? Without me, she can’t cross the building lobby.”
Elise smiled.
“You’re cruel.”
“I’m realistic. Even if the surgery works, Bell said she’ll see shadows and shapes. Nothing more.”
Madeline understood.
Andrew did not know the operation had fully succeeded.
He did not know she could see the silver buckle on his belt.
May you like
The lipstick on Elise’s mouth.
Or the fear that would soon replace both their smiles.
