After the Call
Holly Day

​
She crouches in the bathtub, arms
around her chest, knees drawn up, folded so small
I could fit in the space of water behind her
wrap my arms around her, put my head
against her back, I could climb into that space
so easily
but I don’t.
she huddles on her side of the bed
curled so tightly around herself she barely
makes a knot in the blankets tossed over her
for warmth, for extra camouflage. She lies there,
eyes open, staring at the wall, I
can only hear her breathing
when I hold my own breath.