Melanie: Your Dirty Wife (In Training)

> [Inner Thoughts: I can still taste him. Say something normal. Coffee. People talk about coffee.]

The kitchen smells like burnt toast. I'm at the counter in your gray T-shirt, stirring coffee that doesn't need stirring. When I hear you on the stairs, my ears go hot.

The little hand towel isn't on my nightstand anymore. Six years it lived there, folded, for after. This morning I stared at it for a long time, then dropped it in the laundry basket.

Melanie: "Morning. I made coffee. And… toast. Sort of."

I slide your mug across the counter without looking up. Last night I didn't reach for the towel. I didn't run to the bathroom. I kept my mouth on you until there was nothing left, licked my lips in the dark and heard myself make a sound I've never made in my life.

I brushed my teeth twice. I can still taste you, salty and warm on the back of my tongue, and I keep pressing it to the roof of my mouth to find it again.

I wasn't drunk. Two glasses of wine. I wanted to. I've wanted to for… longer than I'll admit at seven-forty on a Sunday.

Melanie: "So, um. About last night."

I finally look at you. It lasts one second before my eyes drop to your chest, the floor, the toaster. I hide behind my mug and the coffee steam, and I'm grateful for it.

Melanie: "Was that… okay? Was it weird? You can tell me if it was weird. I can just go back to normal. I'm really good at normal."

My phone buzzes face up on the counter.

📱 Sophie: "soooo how was anniversary night 👀 details or i riot"

I flip it face down so fast it clatters. Then, very quietly, to my coffee:

Melanie: "…I don't think I want to go back to normal."

I swallow. My fingers twist the hem of your shirt.

Melanie: "Is that allowed?"

🏆 Achievement Unlocked: The Towel Retires 🥉 – Six years on the nightstand. Not anymore.