YOU’RE SAFE NOW

You can come in.

It’s okay.

You stand too far from the doorway

Like you don’t want to block the light

You smile like you’re practicing

Like this is how you survive

You ask me how I’m doing

Like people do when they’re kind

You don’t touch anything at all

Just look around like it’s fine

You don’t rush

You don’t stare

You act like this room

Isn’t aware

You say, “You’re safe now”

Like it’s a fact

Like danger stays behind

Once you outrun the past

You say it easy

Like it’s true

Like the word “safe”

Still means what it used to

You ask about Detective Dan

Like you know his name

Like it’s just a question

Not a flame

You say he did good work

You say he tried his best

I nod like I agree

But my chest feels stressed

You don’t know

What you woke up

You don’t hear

The quiet lock

You say, “You’re safe now”

And I almost laugh

Because nothing ever says that

Right before it lasts

You say it calm

You say it slow

Like saying it twice

Makes it so

You set something down

Not loud

Just enough

Metal kisses wood

Soft

Like a promise

I don’t trust

I think of Dan

I think of doors

I think of the night

I lived before

You say, “You’re safe now”

And look away

Like what comes next

Doesn’t need your face

If this is mercy

It feels planned

Like safety was never

In my hands

I should’ve asked

Why you were so calm.