THREE

The door to apartment 9C was open when I came home. I’m sure I locked it. I always check twice.

Nothing looked disturbed. The couch was where it should be. The lights were off. The air felt still.

You’re back early.

Maya was sitting at the kitchen table. She didn’t turn when she spoke.

I didn’t know you were here.

You let me in.

I didn’t remember that.

I put my keys down. There was already a set of keys on the counter.

Maya, whose are those?

Yours.

They looked like mine. Same scratches. Same bent keyring.

That’s not possible.

You said that last time.

Last time what?

When you came home and found me here.

My chest felt tight.

We’ve never had this conversation before.

We always have this conversation before you notice.

Notice what?

That you’re the second one.

The hallway light flickered once. The apartment felt smaller.

What do you mean second?

The first you never questions anything. He just sits down.

I didn’t sit.

I walked to the bedroom. The door was slightly open.

I saw someone lying on the bed.

It was me.

Same clothes. Same watch. Eyes closed.

Is he!!

Sleeping.

He wasn’t breathing.

I stepped closer. The body didn’t move.

Then it opened its eyes.

They were already looking at me.

You always look surprised.

The version on the bed sat up slowly.

He smiled.

I didn’t.

Now there are three.

I turned toward the doorway.

Maya wasn’t alone anymore.

Another me was standing behind her.

He looked calm. Comfortable.

Like he’d been here longer than I had.

Only one gets to stay.

Which one?

The one who stops asking questions.

The lights went out.

When they came back on, I was alone.

The bed was empty.

The extra keys were gone.

The door was locked.

I sat at the kitchen table.

I don’t remember deciding to sit.

You’re back early.