Awkward Conversation

Water droplets drip onto my shirt and soak into the material. I pat my hair dry then shake it out, making a funny noise with my mouth. I've been spending all morning pumping myself up for the talk I promised myself I'd have with Emma. My shower ran long as I tried to figure out what I might say, and I came up with moot.

Sighing, I brush my hair off my forehead and head out of my bedroom. I'm still not entirely sure what I'll say to Emma, but I think I can fake it long enough for Emma to get her feelings out. Hopefully she'll keep talking and all I'll have to do is listen. By the end, if everything goes well, Emma will have vented and I'll feel better knowing I won't have to walk on eggshells.

I arrive before Emma's door and remain still, listening for signs of life. Sometimes she's downstairs before I'm awake and ready but this morning she's still in her room. I hear her reading, the soft hush of pages turning telling me so. I don't blame her for not being out and about yet. She proba