The Fall Risk: A Short Story

Six months later

Be so fucking for real,” Izzy said. “You’re cheating. You have to be cheating. Nobody has this many of those cards.”

Gabe looked wounded. “Babe, that hurts. Please collect four.”

She scowled and Seth and I shared an amused look.

It was our monthly game night on the landing. Team Botanical Sexism versus The Hell Hounds. Every month for the last six months, we brought the furniture outside, set it up at the top of the stairs, and had Gabe and Izzy over for cocktails, appetizers, and games.

“Next month you’re hosting,” Seth said, organizing his cards.

“Damn, you’re not even gonna let us get settled in first?” Gabe said.

“Nope,” Seth and I said at the same time.

Gabe and Izzy were moving into my apartment, because in less than a week, I was moving into Seth’s.

We’d debated which unit to take. He was okay moving into my place if I preferred. We did spend all that time painting it. But I had to agree that the fig tree outside his bedroom window sold it.

“It’s a lot of work, hosting game night,” Seth said.

“Fine,” Izzy said. “We’ll host. But I’m not cooking.”

“I’ll cook,” Gabe said. “I can make those wings you like, with the lemon pepper?”

Izzy narrowed her eyes at him. “I think I might like living with you.”

“I hope so. You made me take down my towel.”

Izzy gave Gabe an unapologetic, playful look. He grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap and kissed her. She made a joyful noise I thought I’d never in a million years hear from her.

She was a lioness turned kitten in his arms.

I loved it.

I couldn’t believe how different life was now.

How happy.

I was back to working in an office. I got to get dressed and stop for coffee on the way and interact with other humans. I felt like one of those dead plants on my balcony that had been brought back to life. And I was teaching self-defense classes with Izzy on the side. I was sort of a legend now. The story about my last encounter with George went viral. The same neighbor who posted the video of me on the landing got the whole thing on her doorbell camera.

This one we didn’t ask her to take down.

The comments were eye opening. It was sad to learn how many women had experiences so similar to mine.

They found empowerment in my story.

Everyone wants to do something that matters. Leave a legacy. I was proud that this one was mine. Even if it did suck while it was happening.

“I’ll tell you what I am looking forward to,” Seth said, organizing his cards. “Having a co-parent for Swim Shady.”

“Swim Shady definitely needs another adult in the house,” I said. “And I’m just glad I don’t have to take care of my plants anymore.”

“Me too. It was hard to watch.”

I gasped.

“I’m just kidding, babe. Those plants should have tried harder.”

I laughed and he smiled at me before leaning over and giving me a kiss.

My forest.

All three of them, really. Our roots intertwined to give each other strength.

“Hey, you guys want to meet us for lunch tomorrow?” Gabe asked, talking to us but nuzzling noses with his girlfriend.

“How about the meatballs at IKEA,” Seth said. “We need to go.”

Izzy nodded. “I love IKEA. And I need to get some stuff.”

“Perfect,” I said. “We’ll all go to IKEA.”

Time to imagine a life together.