Phase

She was not all that alarmed when she fell out of phase with reality. The day of the realization, she popped her head into the boss’ office to ask a question but he did not respond. He was on the phone so she thought nothing of it. On the way back to her desk, she encountered a coworker in the hall. He was reading a document as he walked. She greeted him but again received no response. She wondered if she spoke too quietly and failed to see they were on a collision course. Unable to avoid him, she braced for impact and… he walked right through her.

She felt invisible even before falling out of phase. Her parents, who died years ago, took little interest in her life. Her sister had not bothered to call in months, not even on her birthday. Friends she made in college soon faded away post-graduation. And her coworkers were just that. She did not mind. She liked her small apartment, her cat, solitary walks in the nearby park and reading at the coffee shop down the street. She might chat briefly with the barista (who was always pleasant), or thank the cashier at the grocery but that was the normal extent of her social interaction, outside of work of course.

She was happy alone. Content not being missed. So when she fell out of phase, she welcomed the freedom. She could not be seen or heard, and could go anywhere she pleased. Locked doors, walls and the like were no longer obstacles. She developed the habit of picking a window on a high-rise apartment which struck her fancy (often one with plants) and slipping inside to read by it during the day. She would leave once the occupants returned after work. The cats stared at her though. She was happy her own cat still sat and purred by her.

Then today, on the way home from a reading adventure, she saw the barista girl leaving her apartment building. She assumed they happened to live at the same place until she found a note on her door.

Dear Nora, You haven’t been by for several weeks and I’ve been a little worried. Are you all right? Did you find another café? If you could, please give me a call (xxx-xxx-xxxx). All the best, Jill.

Nora felt a lump form in her throat.