My mind plays tricks on me.

I know it does… so why do I always fall for them?

A thousand tiny hints.

A flicker of a thought..

Just a flicker.

In the back of my mind.

I didn’t hear it. I swear I won’t.

I refuse.

But there it is, again… louder this time.

What if? It always starts with a “what if”.

What if there’s a fire?

What if it were your fault?

What if…

And back I go. Again.

And again. And again.

The stove is always off.

It will always be off.

Except. Of course. That one time I don’t give in.

The one time I don’t go back and check.

So back I go, just one more time.

I promise.

(Not really.)