These thoughts ran through Runa's mind as she sat in the dark on her knees. She held something soft like a blanket over herself as she leaned against a wall. It was very quiet but even now she couldn't sleep. Part of it was the fact that her dreams were getting worse lately. And part of it was just a constant worry over what to say to him.

She made the mistake of trying to burden him with her dreams and sleepwalking issues. He was so mad about the whole 'murdered girl' thing. He insisted that someone murdered June Heath. He said that it was probably one of those creepy bums in the park. Runa told Brian she didn't know she had left the house and couldn't control it. He was convinced someone would hurt her like that girl if she was out without him.

It wasn't comfortable in that little hall closet. But it was safe. She couldn't sleepwalk and get hurt that way. That's why he started locking her in there every night. He cared about her so much. He was worried she would get murdered too, or raped. So she let him do it.

He came back every morning in time for her to get ready for work. He would just stay there with her but he liked to sleep in his own bed and he was allergic to Houdini. But he shared his place with Tony and he stayed in the living room so Runa couldn't spend the night there.

She had just got home from the book club before he got there last night. She was so glad because she didn't want him to get too mad about how late it was. She hurried to put her coat and new gloves away and change into pajamas.

She was wearing those pajamas when she heard the downstairs door being opened. For half a second she was scared it wasn't him but some criminal instead. Then she heard him cough and yell at the cat. She heard Houdini scurrying up the stairs to her hiding place in the bedroom.

Now another fear crept in. She wondered what kind of mood he would be in today. The keys were jingling in his hands and then she heard the lock click. She closed her eyes and the door opened. A light fell into the closet but her head was hidden behind some coats.

"Runa," Brian said, "Come on honey. It's time to wake up."

Runa stirred a bit and didn't say anything. She slowly moved and stood up. Brian was already reaching for a cup to get some of the coffee that was made. It was nice having a timed coffee pot, like that, even if she couldn't get any until he got there.

Runa went right into the bathroom. It was ridiculous to try to hold it all night but it was better than waking up in a strange place. She had to figure out something though. Maybe a bucket would work.

She was still getting ready when he put his jacket back on.  It was a navy blue work coat. It had his name embroidered on the pocket in white. Runa stood in the bathroom, in her work clothes. She was brushing her hair.

"I'll see you tonight. Where are we meeting?" Brian asked her.

"Prying Eyes at seven," she answered.

'Prying Eyes' is the name of the coffee shop in town. It's an old school, beatnik coffee shop with all kinds of artistic decor and couches and strange chairs. There are mirrors all over the walls and big windows in the front looking in, or out. Valarie Compton works there for Mrs. Ava Madison. It was the business her husband, Bill gave her to keep her busy after their kids first left the nest but, Ava had little to no interest in it anymore. Valarie Compton basically does everything herself.

"Okay," Brian said and then kissed Runa on the cheek and left.