Hello My Old Friend Misery

My old friend Misery made a visit today.
Strutted in he did, his head high and that childish grin on his face.
"Hullo," I said as he held out his coat for me to hang up.
My eyes were wide in bewilderment at the entity I hadn't seen in quite some time.
He gave me a nod, and tipped his hat off into his hand.
"I had some business in town today-- thought I might stop by," his pointed face curled into a smile as he passed me his hat as well and lowered himself into my chair.
"Long time no see," I mumbled more to myself than him as I hung up his things.
"Yes," the words slid from his thin lips, "It has been quite long my dear. You've been doing well," he crossed his legs and spread his arms out along the chair.
"What's your business?" I asked.
"Some gal over in Richmond," he replied, "Her writings have been furious lately in that ol' journal she's been venting to. I'm a bit concerned her friend Anger has stayed his fair share of time so I thought I'd stop by there as well and strike a deal. Have you got any tea?"
"No," I shook my head, "Coffee? I never developed much a taste for tea."
He shook his head 'no' and gestured for me to sit beside him.
Caution eased into my senses as I sat beside him, my hands stiff on my knees, and elbows locked in strain.
Everything about him called to me. I longed to scoot closer but my past experiences kept me restrained. I'd be fine as long as I didn't let my gaze drop into his eyes.
"Oh, don't be a stranger," his arm slipped over my shoulder and he pulled me in closer, wrapping me in a cold embrace. My body stiffened with memories. The ice of pure desire seeped into my veins-- it was so easy to fall back into his arms.
"Misery..." I mumbled, my head falling deeper and deeper into his haze of charm, "I just can't..." I whimpered.
My arms pushed away, meek with addiction, but my whole being yearned for his.
"Aw," he whispered, "Chloé don't worry. I'm always here for you." He placed his head on top my head and pressed his lips into my wild mess of hair.
I untangled myself from him and pulled away. I held my gaze down in my lap; my eyes couldn't meet his or I'd be stuck.
"I'm sorry-- You should leave," I whispered. "You shouldn't have come here Misery."
He froze and I could feel those blue eyes burn into me.
"You know I won't stop until I have you back," he spoke firm.
I lifted my chin and turned my face away from his.
"I'm avoiding you at all cost this time around," my voice sounded strong.
He reached out for me, but I swayed back from his grasp.
"I'm not giving up on you just yet," he replied. He sat there for a moment longer, but I never once made met his eyes. After a few moments he stood, grabbed his things, and placed his hat on his head.
"Until next time my dear," he bid farewell.
My jaw tightened, and I tried to appear cold and unfathomed as he walked out.
The world spun around me as my mind registered my close encounter with Misery.
Despite my deep desire to fall into the comfort of his embrace, I had won this battle.
But my mind shrivels in fear of his ominous, and inevitable return.

Until next time,
C.R. Daniels