The Raid

Smell the sweet succulence of the room’s atmosphere. Drink in the perfumes, the colorful glass bottles of Fragonard and Grace. Run gentle fingers over the desk, sensing the memory of her touch. Glance at the photos placarded over bulletin board and pinned to the walls; locate her sweet, young face smiling back at you, seeing you. Touch the photo, gently, tracing her soft cheeks and gentle hair. Lean into the photo, kiss it lightly, thinking about her soft lips on yours. Find the bed, knowing its warm each night, yet it’s so cool and still right now – waiting for her nighttime arrival. Crawl onto the pink, plaid comforter and slowly pull your hands and knees over it. Press yourself against it, feel your whole body push deep into the folds. Moan lightly. Bury your face in the pillows. Grasp onto them; breathe deeply. Moan louder. Feel your whole body touch the space where she sleeps. Imagine her warm, slender, small body lying peacefully within…lying under you. Spy the dresser across the room: your whole reason for coming, the piece de resistance. Slip regretfully from the cushions and tiptoe across the floor she walks upon. Slide the drawer open, smooth against its wood frame. Reach deep inside the caverns of heavenly folded bras. Dive in; fondle the smooth cups across your cheeks. Close the drawer, breathing deeply. Finger the handles on the next drawer, pull it slowly toward you. Gasp lightly, there they were: the pieces you’ve risked everything for, the colorful little gems that reached the deepest, most taboo parts of her body. Finger through them; lift them from their sweet cradle to your face and devour their fresh, clean scent – too clean. Discover the hamper: the button down shirt she wore yesterday, that flowing skirt that had caressed her legs three days ago when you watched her from the back of the theater – the garments that she wore underneath that skirt. Jump to the basket and lift the pieces from their wafting bed; breathe in their scent, deep long breaths. Press them to your face, your nose; rub them over your head and neck. Moan loudly. Hear a door slam. Gasp. Panic. Dart around the room. Pocket the spoils of your journey. Throw open the window. Clamor over the desk. Knock over the vases. Escape.