1, 2, 3…

The window lock clicked seven times. Billie moved onto the next window and repeated the ritual locking and unlocking. Next window, with each click Billie’s shoulders relaxed a little more. She moved to the front door and unlocked it, relocked it, unlocked it.

The phone rang. Billie froze. If she doesn’t complete the ritual in one go she’d have to start over. It was Dad. If she didn’t answer Dad would freak the hell out. He’d call the police to do a welfare check if his call went to voicemail. Dad would call in a bomb scare to get the fire department out to her new apartment if he had to call twice. 1, 2, 3.

Ever since Josh, Dad had gotten super vigilant about keeping in touch. Billie texted: Hold On with her right hand and continued turning the dead bolt with her left. She was so much better since the move. Her last place was an old converted Victorian, every creak made her think Josh was coming for her. The townhouse before that was on a busy road. She’d thought it’d make her feel safer but the traffic rumblings fed her night terror.

Billie headed for the back door and began locking and unlocking. Each window seven times, each door 21 times then she knew she was safe. Billie felt so much better since the move. Before it was as if Josh’s anger waited around every corner. His taunts tucked into the closets. His promises to never hurt her again hiding beneath the bed.

Turning and creaking behind the plaster and lath, Billie’s fear was a monster that lived in the walls of that Victorian. This time everything was different. Away from all of Josh’s favorite haunts, this newly built building was a blank slate. Her phone chimed: mom wants to know if you’re doing that window thing again. Billie inhaled and exhaled out the anxiety just like her therapist taught her. Over the sink, she dialed her folks.

“Hey dad tell mom not to worry. I was just in the bathroom. I’m fine. I love it here. I put down contact paper and set up the kitchen,” Billie said looking down at her chapped hands. “You guys worry too much.”