I begged until he released me. He warned a nightmare if I didn’t return. I ran to the loo, peed, then, true to my word, went back to sleep.

I saw her in the parking lot, visibly shaken. I comforted her like a gentleman. But I was also hungry, so I grabbed her purse and ran.

Nell lives on the third step of the home and gives boiled sweets to strangers. They tell her she was a teacher. She shrugs and asks, “Who?”

The refrigerator was no barrier. He pawed underneath it until his claws were dull. Finally, that ancient popcorn kernel was his.

I played sports, lost games, watched shows, ate your meals. I did your favorite things, even ones I didn’t care for. Name it, and I’ve done it—just to wear your heart.

Over breakfast he said: “I know you love me.” I wondered how he could know when I was still so unsure. I half smiled and sipped my cold tea.