“I’m not leaving.” An equally steadfast Glen answered, as he gave a little wave to a concerned looking passerby.

This conversation, which could more appropriately be referred to as a battle of wills, went on for some time, until an emotionally exhausted Spencer finally caved. Reaching forward she unlocked the door, pulling it open so that Glen could step inside. He moved rapidly through the doorway, as if fearing she would suddenly change her mind and slam the door in his face. Avoiding his gaze, Spencer turned away from him to shut the door and lock it, her shoulders stiffening underneath his stare.

“God Spence, you look awful.” Glen spoke softly. He wasn’t always the best at saying the right thing. But he couldn’t help it, Spencer did look terrible. Her hair hadn’t seen a brush in three days, her eyes seemed sunken in and her cheeks hollow. Her posture wasn’t nearly as proud and confident as usual, in fact she stood a bit slumped. She looked defeated, and her shallow blue eyes reflected the way she felt inside- She had given up.

“Thanks.” Spencer replied to his comment, still avoiding him as she moved into the kitchen. She couldn’t take the intensity of his gaze or the concern occupying all of his features. She didn’t know why, but it felt so smothering.

“I didn’t mean it like that…” Glen spoke quickly, realizing his mistake as he looked away. “How… How are you?…” He questioned tentatively, his hands finding his pockets.

“Fantastic.” She sounded bitter, and the boy flinched a bit. He’d tried so hard to get in here, but now that he was, he realized he had no idea what to say. Maybe he should have thought this through a bit more.

“…Why don’t you go upstairs and take a bath or something, and let me clean up around here?” Glen suggested after a long uncomfortable silence had settled between them. He didn’t like the way Spencer was staring straight through him, and he hoped a bath might breathe a bit more life into her. She always did love baths, it was something he’d teased her about frequently when they were younger.

“Fine.” Spencer was far too tired to argue, she just didn’t have it in her anymore. This revelation with Sarah was all she could think of. Unfortunately, the more she thought about it, the more depressed and hopeless she felt. It was like being swallowed up into a big black hole of despair. Turning from him she dragged herself up the stairs and into the bathroom, her body going through the motions of running the bath although her heart wasn’t in it.