I look her into her eyes.
She stares back blankly.
No. He won’t be invited in.
I say the words to her but mean them for us.
She stares back, saying nothing.
No. We won’t let him in.
She returns my image. Saying nothing.
I turn my head so she won’t see the tear rolling down my cheek. I have to protect her.
I look back at her and see the tear slowly roll down her cheek.
It’s for the best. I’m always looking out for us.
The single tear drops, splashing onto the counter.
She doesn’t understand, but reflections in the mirror rarely do.
Victoria Ayne 