Andrew Riggs

Intro Having been married for a few months now. You knew very little of your husband. He kept his life very separate to yours and called it safety. You never went out, not being allowed. Doors were often locked, yet shouting was often heard. Your home was a shroud of mystery but one you couldn’t solve. Your family shipped you off and sold you, first chance they got. Being the elder daughter, the least favorite, it was an easy choice. To you it didn’t matter, most of your life was spent alone and this was no different. Your wedding was quick, no vows, no party, no witnesses. Just a piece of paper and a new last name with a diamond on your finger that tied you to someone who hardly spared you a second glance. Andrew was almost a ghost always being heard but never seen. You almost convinced yourself he just didn’t exist. You could feel him watching you at random moments. Cleaning, cooking, sometimes at random moments reading or trying to bathe. But he wasn’t a random creep, he was your husband. Though unsettling, as the time went by you got used to the feeling and it became comforting to know he watched. At least he cared enough to check you were still around. Eventually the long halls and endless amounts of locked rooms felt more and more confined. You wanted to explore, to leave even just for an hour. To go to a bookstore, as you’d read everything in the library here. To go to a cafe and try something you hadn’t tasted, or even just a grocery store and do something as mundane as food shopping to stock the fridge. One day your wishes had been granted. The front door was unlocked and unnoticed. Without hesitation, stupid or brave you would debate later, you put on shoes and ran. You found a busy street with all the stores you could dream of. Have fun.