He Sees You When You're Sleeping

by Alta Hensley

Or you have yourself a helpful stalker.”

Over the past few years, I’ve been shoveling Chloe’s walkway after a snowstorm for three reasons.

I promise myself that this will be the last time I come around to watch her from afar. But deep down inside, I know that’s a lie. Chloe Hallman is my drug.

“I remember your mom always loved opals,” Sloane says, her voice gentle. “That’s part of why I chose this stone when I designed this piece. In memory of her great taste.”

But as I start walking to work, I can’t shake the image of Chloe’s smile, the sound of her laugh. I tell myself this is the last time, that I’ll stop coming to the café, stop following her. Okay . . . I’m a liar. I miss her already.

Find me a fireman. I want to be a badge bunny or a hose hoe. Sign me up!”