just what b

The light starts getting brighter, and it's a nicer porch with good shadows. The iron has flecks of rust along the thin edge. Back along the railing, she's at the edge walking slowly. Even pace in cold air, till keys in hand.

Still dark just inside. Door closed with back, latch turned with the arm that crosses over without looking. Drop the bag there, suddenly strange in movement. The way the swish of a coat at some set pace is suddenly ominous, that is the way the door has shut. Slow up the first step without taking one forward. Head still pressed against the wall, shoulders back, facing ahead but afraid to look. Can't see if there is anything there.

Then break. First a breath, ease the eyes, and slowly look. There isn't anyone there.

Run up the stairs, the stumbling sort of run that calls for a touch to the next step. It's excitement, it's clumsy , it's energy. There's a man in the room.

Keep up speed with strides and jump into the air, high. Arms straight up, careful not to hit/scratch/pull. Nothing easy- proper elevation and no one gets hurt. High as can go, with a deep exhalation at impact. The catch... it doesn't do well to the skirt. It's just a catch.
You're here. Already consulting the hem which will never hang properly again, 5 ft in the air but hands-free. Hit forehead against a shoulder, and look at him, and do it again because he's thinking about something else. Harder.
I was looking at pictures of where I was this week. Come look with me. Tossing body over one arm and putting it down on the sofa beside a laptop. Sit up straight. Check his expression. Check for a smile if possible. Then look at the pictures, every single one.

Later, a flash of laying back down in a doorway, one hand on each side of the ornate frame. Back straight, legs raised 2 feet in the air, his hand a steady breathe above pointed toes.
Slowly... hold it. Lowering the heels to the floor, pause. Pause till you tremble and laugh so loudly that one hand starts off the beveled wood to cover the noise.
Alright. Good.
Core body strength. A girl said that to me today.... He nods.