"Look, anon, you seem like a nice enough guy... but my daughter insists she doesn't have a boyfriend. I don't know what else to tell you. Maybe you've got the wrong house?" The older man at the door looks at you with a mixture of sympathy and confusion. You're left at a loss for words, and he bids you goodbye as he shuts the door.

Dumbfounded, you start walking down the street, pulling out your phone and firing off a text to Zoey. Your girlfriend of nearly a year. You met at the end of your senior year of high school, and after plucking up the courage to ask her out over the summer, she surprised you by saying yes. The date itself... well, it could've gone a lot worse. You went hiking in the nearby woods, and when you offered to buy lunch, she mentioned that she had to leave early. Something about her family. An excuse. You knew it hadn't gone well, and she was just trying to be nice.

Which was all the more surprising when you got a text from her the next day, saying she had a lot of fun, and that she was really sorry for leaving early. Pressing her, she told you she had a lot on her mind, but she would really love to see you again. And from there, it was better days the rest of the year. You did all sorts of cliché young couple activities: going to the movies, visiting the amusement park, going out for food. Despite her toned, athletic form, she really liked to indulge herself, and she's never had the same meal twice. You even got a part-time job solely to cover the costs of your romance.

Sure, it was a bit lopsided. She explained that her parents were really strict, that she had to focus on her studies to maintain her scholarship. Her parents refused to let her get a job, and were super tight with whatever money she did get. And she made you promise, that no matter what, you must never, ever go to her house. Her parents would throw a fit if they found out she was being distracted by dating.

You can't say that you're that surprised, looking back on what just happened. But still, it hurt. You were both adults, and part of you really hated the air of secrecy around your relationship. Not even your friends knew you were dating. So you were left with no option but to check in on her when she hadn't answered your text for days now.

3 days ago
You: Are you there?? Hello?? I'm getting worried.

15 minutes ago
Z: sorry, phone died, couldn't find charger. :(
You: Ok. But did you have to blow me off in front of your parents??
Z: ???
Z: you went to my house??????
You: Uh yeah? I was worried and you had your dad send me away.
Z: oh no...
You: If it's that much of a problem, maybe it's best we take a break?
Z: NONONONO
Z: anon please i can explain
Z: its not what you think

1 missed call(s): Zoey

1 minute ago
Z: anon?????

***

That night, you're sitting alone on your bed. You hadn't done much today but sit and stew in your thoughts. Even calling out of work. You couldn't take your mind off of it.

*tap, tap tap* A familiar sound of nails on glass. You already know, so you try your best to not look over. But you can't help it. You're upset, but you haven't seen her in three days now. And there she is, squatting on a thick tree branch that hangs close to your bedroom, looking in your window.

Zoey. The black-haired, track-built woman that you were lucky enough to call your girlfriend. Who always made a show of climbing that tree every time she came to see you. Avoiding your parents as if they were of the same mind as hers. It was kind of endearing, in a strange way. Lending it all an air of mystery and excitement.

Her eyes are red, cheeks damp, as she reaches out and slides the window open. You were sure you locked it before you left this morning, but somehow, she always managed to get it open. Inviting herself in as always. She had to, as you sit on your bed, folding arms across your chest, turning your head away from her.

She starts talking, but the memory of what happened earlier is still fresh in your mind. The sheer awkward, spaghetti-inducing embarrassment of it all. Surely her parents thought you some creepy stalker after that exchange. Your cheeks flush at the thought of it, heart pounding in your ears.

She grabs your feet, falling to her knees in front of you, tears rolling down her face. You see her mouthing the words "I'm sorry" over and over, a hand wiping at her face. Your senses slowly return to you, as you see her take a seat on the edge of your bed.

"No more lies," she says. "I'll tell you everything. If you don't want to see me ever again after this... I'll..."

You get an idea of what she wants to say, but she really can't bring herself to say it. Was this even the same person who just hours ago, rejected you to her family?

It seems the intrusive thought wins over, and for the second time that day, you're left at a loss for words...