i see her going up the stairs every 20 minutes. my eyes follow her while my feet do not. i stay behind and such is my life.

everyone is laughing at me. a friendly cackle. oh you! goofy grins, crossing their arms and tapping their feet. i grieve. they know i do not sleep. haven't slept since i found myself in the hallway, alone and pining.

sitting on my lap she tells me to try her drink. it's red like her nose. she lists all the shots she's drank and i stop counting after 10. i have no more fingers. she thinks this is hilarious. i'm feeling rather rational and two dimensional. my body stiffens until it's no longer comfortable to sit on.

she gets up, turns around and looks at me as i grab my coat and keys. kiss the birthday girl on the cheek. leave.

sweet words float down the stairs. it sure is icy out there. i slide home safe.