The sun dipped below the skyline early, swallowed by the gray winter haze.
I stayed outside until the very last bit of light bled out of the sky, dreading the return. When I finally reached the penthouse, I didn't go in. I just leaned my forehead against the cold wood of the front door. I stayed like that for a long time until Judy cleared her throat behind me. It was a polite way of telling me to move. Reluctantly, I stood up and let myself back into the cage.
