The Intruder

by Freida McFadden

My father always said that duct tape can be used to fix anything, so we will put that to the test tonight.

that’s some redneck shit

But just as I am about to put it down on the right corner, something stops me. There’s a pale face staring at me from outside my window.

THE FUCK THERE IS

don’t have as much experience with adult men being disappointed with me, because I don’t have a father. I mean, I have a father—obviously—but I’ve never met him, so he’s never had a chance to be disappointed in me.

trust me it’s better that way

There’s an intruder hiding in my toolshed, waiting to enter my home as soon as I crawl into bed and drift off into unconsciousness.

But if his interest in me isn’t romantic, what is it? Why is he always knocking on my door? There’s something about this man I don’t trust.

So why can’t I shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen tonight?

We pass Mrs. Fleming’s house first. It’s dark inside. A few days after I took out her trash, she slipped and fell during the night, and she hit her head really badly. She’s in the hospital now, and they’re not sure she’s going to get better. In other news, I’ve had money for lunch for the entire week.

Except when he says it, he’s looking down at my arms. Where he saw the cigarette burns.

YOUNG LOVE