What it says about your relationship when your partner sleeps with their back to you

I opened the door in yesterday’s clothes.

I do not know how long I sat there. Long enough that my legs went numb. Long enough that the light in the hallway changed.

A few days later, there was a knock.

I opened the door in yesterday’s clothes. Eli stood on the porch in a faded hoodie, holding a small notebook against his chest. He looked nervous. He also looked decided, which was new on him.

“Mrs. Mave. Can I talk to you out here?”

I stepped onto the porch and pulled the door shut behind me.

“Is Hazel okay? Did she text you?”

I stared at this boy I had watched grow up two houses down.

“No, ma’am.” He took a breath. “I need her measurements.”

“Eli, what—”

“Prom is in two weeks. I can do this. I know how that sounds. But I need you to trust me. And I need you not to tell her anything. Not one word.”