"Aletris…"
I am not sure how long has passed when I hear Oliver's voice again. I have forgotten how long I remain in this position, that I cannot feel my limbs because of the numbness.
I can only feel the sting around my puffy eyes. They feel even more pain after the tears run dry… I must be so hideous right now, with my eyes all reddened and swollen… I have not been crying for long though.
"Aletris, it's me…"
With my back still leaning against the door, I feel a few soft knocks from outside. It is Oliver who is standing across the door, I can hear his voice so clearly through the slits.
And again he knocks the door with his knuckles. In his gentlest voice he begs, "Would you let me in, please? I know you dislike quarrels… Just… let me talk to you."
Perhaps it is Oliver's voice that melts my heart, perhaps it is the way he speaks to me, or perhaps it is simply because it is Oliver… Without hesitation I stand up from the floor, turn around and open up the door.
