Footsteps

The familiar sound sends panic through my bones. The aggression in her footsteps forewarns of a building temper and primes me with the expectation of an explosion, but no amount of preparation could slow my pounding heart. I feel the sharpness of her inspecting eyes even through the wall as I wait, anticipate. My throat constricts as I listen to the footsteps quickening in my direction and then stop. She’s found something. I’m frozen, silent. I’ve forgotten how to breathe. Footsteps, moving away. She calls my sister’s name and my breath returns. Today is not my day.