Tapping, a constant tapping. How long had it been now? She wondered. The rain bore down on the roof, the noise hidden only beneath the peels of thunder getting ever louder, closer.

As the room lit up from another strike outside, she found herself staring at the bulb hanging above her head. What little solace it’s dull glow brought her was numbed by the knowledge that she shouldn’t be there.

As she considered whether it was choice or fate that brought her to this place the room lit up once more, it took a moment for her to realize that this time the light had remained. The sound of a car door slamming shut leached through the timber walls. As she got up and moved to the window she saw a reflection of herself in the glass. Had she really become this old, this tired? Before the thought had even registered in her mind the reflection turned and moved away.

She looked towards the door and saw a shadow stop outside it and block what little light passed underneath. As the handle turned she knew it was time.