Julia Azzouz

Creative Writing Editor

A cat stands on the linoleum counter,

Reflected in the mirror above the sink.

A row of four red bathroom stalls are boxed in darkness.

Only one door is open.

A fizzing white light sputters 

from four identical lightbulbs

Anchored in the ceiling.

The cat says nothing though I expect him to.

He stands by the sink keeping his paws out of the water.

The LEDs cast a black shadow on his golden chest.

I stand at the swinging door’s threshold, waiting

for a word, a warning, a set of heels on the tiled carpet.

I can’t hear anything, 

Not even the faucet dripping.