Silently shushing myself I slow my breathing, close my mouth more tightly to prevent the scitterscat of hitched breath, excited respiration. Counting to ten works for some but not me, I’m distracted by three, I concentrate on breathing. Breathe in; hold for 1, 2, 3; breath out.

I’m not fooled by how innocent you look when asleep, here’s all the proof I didn’t need. Curled into your side, blissful smile of an idiot, the two of you basking in the afterglow.

Finally she stirs, looks over her pale freckled shoulder and smiles. The patter of her feet toward the stairs mean I have a few minutes as she gets the last glass of water she’ll be able to drink for a long time.

Felinic and spry I jump to the bed, straddling you, watch your eyes fly open in recognition and horror as my knife glides expertly across your throat. Then downstairs into the kitchen, striding toward the back door. Confused she just stands. I pause, lick the knife slowly, drop it in your sink and only stop outside to listen to her scream.