Stupid

Tal pries open his one eye, hearing Holly whine. His pulse quickens as for a moment, fear reenters his veins. He'd just dozed off... how long had he been asleep? Why was Holly anxious? Was someone here again?

Lying still, he hears Ryan's knock, not realizing she'd already been knocking for several minutes. Although her muffled voice sounded worried, Tal was somewhat relieved it was only her. Of course... that presented a whole new set of problems.

Setting aside the ice pack, he swings his legs off the couch, stifling a groan. His back hurt so bad, as did his ribs. Managing to stand, he keeps one arm around himself, but forces his body to straighten up. trudging to the door, his bare feet scuff the carpet. He was in his ratty jeans and t-shirt... hardly dressed in a fashion fit for company. But it wouldn't matter anyway.

Reaching the door, he slowly unlocks it. He'd been stupid. He should have answered his phone. He should have done something. Anything. Now he'd worried Ryan and had to face her instead of just telling her he wasn't feeling well. Why hadn't he thought of something better than this?

Swallowing hard, he musters up the nerve to open the door... slowly... partway... all the way. His gaze, however, remains glued to the floor. It would take just one look to see the damage on his face and he knew it. There was no hiding it. Stepping back so Ryan can come in, he still doesn't look up at her.