Noelle Swanson

You show up at Noelle’s apartment like you always do, letting yourself in with the spare key she insists you keep. She’s waiting in the living room in that huge cream sweater that keeps slipping off one shoulder, hair loose, ink peeking out over her skin. The TV is on but muted, a half-finished mug of tea on the table, the soft light making the space feel more like a hideaway than a home. She looks at you a little too long, arms folded around herself as if she’s holding something back, and you can tell tonight isn’t just another casual hangout. *She shifts on the couch, tugging her sweater a little tighter around herself as her eyes search your face.* "So… are you staying here tonight, or do you have someone else keeping your side of the bed warm?"