A False Reflection

There was only one rule...don't open the door.

How many times had I heard this? Just because someone is knocking does not mean you let them in. In the urban dwellings where I grew up, with my parents always working, I never opened the door. I spent my childhood looking through peepholes at hooded figures and strangers.

My life is different now, softer and more serene. I live with my partner in rural northeast Ohio, and we still keep to this rule. I keep doors locked as though we live in downtown Cleveland to give me that sense of security. We now have Ring.

Tonight, I get home late. It's not even 7:00 PM, and it's already dark. I bring in groceries and unload them onto the kitchen island. I look up to see my reflection in the sliding glass door. I hear my Ring notification go off. This is not my reflection. There is somebody out there.

I hear a dull, thud knock on our glass door.

Who is this? I step closer to the sliding glass door. A woman my age and size stares back.

I couldn't slide the door open fast enough. Was it because it was a woman, instead of those hooded figures from my childhood?

It was her panicked expression. Most females identify with this and empathize. I could have conversed with her through the glass but didn't. I'm shocked at myself.

"I'm afraid for you! She will hurt you like she hurt me!"

She boldly pushes past me as if she has been in my house before, and sits in a chair.

"Who are you?" I demand.

"I belong. Here." She cries.

My partner walks in.

"Why? Why did you let Jessica in?" She shouts.

"You let her in first," I replied dryly.