A pinched, pasty face of an older woman peeks out from behind the cracked door. Eli has on his giant smile and I manage a grimace pretending to be a smile. And then I realize I only have shorts and a towel on. I feel my face turning various colors and wrap my towel around my skin as tightly as I can. I debate on whether or not I should stand, but I decided to just sit and not make a bigger fool out of myself. The woman glares at me and I can almost feel the heat. Eli somehow manages a bigger smile watching our interaction. His mom turns her glare to Eli and his grin still doesn't waver. He gives me a wink and moves to the door. The two of them whisper in hushed tones, throwing glances my way. After what seemed like hours, the lady nods and gives me one last glare, weirdly mixed with pity. 

"Well, I think that went well! She only glared at you a few times!" I look up at him with confusion. I manage to stutter out,

"Do I have to leave?" Eli smiles softly and shakes his head.

"No, you can stay for however long you need, but you have to sleep in my room. Mom already takes up the couch," he says with excitement. I feel the hope and gratefulness rising and stumble to my feet, the towel nearly tripping me. I stagger over to Eli and envelop him in a hug, my body practically swallowing his.