I arrive home. It's been a while. And for some reason, it hurts to come home after all this time. Its not like there was anyone that was going to miss me but still.

The door opens and the smell of artifical apples is the first thing I smell. I've always had an obssession with apple-scented things and I guess I left a freshener in the wall the whole time.

My eyes scan every part of the home. The old dishes I never put away laying on the table. The lights in the bathroom I never turned off. Am I really this forgetful and messy? The sofa is what catches my eye. The curtain is draped above it. The light from the window the curtain used to be on is blinding. A note is taped to the top of the sofa.

"Hey, Emmie! Its Mom! I thought while you were gone, I'd visit to make sure everything was okay there. I didn't bother to clean or fix anything because I know how much you hate it when things are moved but I did place the curtain above the couch to keep the dust off of it. I know it was just bought and I just wanted to keep it brand new for you. Love you!

- Mom"

Tears well up in my eyes a bit. I didn't think anyone had cared that I left. My hands graze the fabric of the light pink curtain. I keep it there, not moving it.