Klara's Wings

Chapter One: Day 28

Klara pounded on the apartment door as hard as she could. "Wake up, jackass! Guess who's here?"

There was the sound of someone shuffling around inside, and then the door opened a crack to reveal a single perfectly ordinary blue eye, complete with sleepy puffiness. "What... who the hell are you?"

"Who am I?!" She fumed. "You've got some nerve, acting like you don't remember me."

He sighed and started to close the door, "Sorry, lady. We don't have any drugs here, or whatever it is you're after."

"Oh, hell no." She stepped backward, drew a breath, and kicked the door down. Well, mostly. Enough for her to get in, and enough to make him back against a wall, eyes wide with terror. "Remember me now, pretty boy?"

He swallowed, but still shook his head. "I'm sorry. I don't recognize you."

She clenched her teeth and marched up to him until their faces were just inches apart. "Really? You have no idea who I am?"

His breathing was fast and panicky now, but she could see the flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Oh. Oh. Oh, my god. Klara, right?"

"Jackpot."

"Listen. Shit. Just listen, okay? I am so, so sorry. I didn't know."

"It's a little late for apologies."

"Yeah, I get that, but... shit. I'll drive you to the clinic, okay? Whatever you want. Just don't-- don't--"

She bared her teeth. It was an empty threat, but he didn't need to know that. "Don't what?"

He slid around her and collapsed on the couch with his head in his hands, shaking. "Please, don't kill me. Just let me explain."

She sat down in the seat across from him, legs crossed and hands folded. "You've got five minutes."