Merly leaned against the car, taking in the night in front of her. Winter was slipping away, making way for bearable nights. Warmer nights meant that the pain loosened, and she felt like she could breathe again. She lifted her head up to the sky, only spotting a smattering of stars among the city's lights. Even before the infinite expanse of the universe above, and the mild din of distant suburban hubbub, Merly felt painfully alone.

  "Did you find it?", a bubbly, hopeful voice broke Merly's trance. It was Sammie, her occasional housemate.

  "Oh, yeah, no. I checked under the seat and everything. Sorry, Sammie," Merly's attempt at a frown was easily feigned, "are you sure you don't want me to just ring your phone?" she asked.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "Nah, it's fine... I probably left it in the fridge, or somewhere equally insane," Sammie sighed and walked back into the house. Merly couldn't help but smile at Sammie's forgetfulness. She was a sweet woman, whose company Merly did not mind.

  Sammie was only an occasional housemate due to her spending much of her time traveling for work. Coming from a wealthy background helped Sammie pay for rent, even when she wasn't living in the house. Merly appreciated the integrity, having been burnt by previous housemates - figuratively, and literally - Miguel was an aspiring fire eater who did not believe in paying rent.

  From within the house, Merly heard Sammie let out a celebratory whoop - perhaps the phone really was left in the fridge. Merly took one more look up at the sky, before heading back inside.