He checked his underarms for any odor, passing his palm before smelling the scent. 

 

 

It smelled okay, and he swapped his current shirt for a cleaner one. 

 

Noticing a specific shirt on the couch, he opted for it, switching out the one he had just put on. 

 

While seated on the bed, a pair of hands reached out from his sides.

Soft and tiny, the hands were of a young woman. Drew shivered from the unannounced touch.

 

"What's bothering you?" 

 The girl's delicate voice prompted Drew to stop whatever was going on inside his brains. 

He took hushed breaths, gazing at the pile of missed up clothes on the couch. "Didn't you say you'd get your shit together?" 

 

The girl, hurt by his insensitive comment, leaped off the bed. "Do you see what a mess your's is?" 

 

He stole a glance at her. 

 

 

Looking at each other like that, it revealed the more they shared. From similar jawline, bushy eyebrows, curly thick hair and same eyebeam. 

 

"At least tidy up the place." 

 

The girl, who appeared to be nineteen or so, regarded Drew with admiration.  

 

 

Her youthful appearance annoyed him, but her confidence left him speechless. 

 

"Everything's clean," she pointed at the pile of clothes Drew had taken from, "there's nowhere to put yours. "

Placing her arm over his shoulder, the girl's irritated voice softened. 

"Do you think I enjoy sleeping with my cousin?" 

 

Betty, Drew's cousin, came from the countryside to the city in search of a decent job. 

 

 

Drew, her only contact and cousin, had agreed to accommodate her for a few weeks until she found work. 

 

That had been months ago. 

 

He spends his days out conducting illicit activities while she stays at home or venture out in search of jobs. 

 

It had been tough out there, and after months of unsuccessful searching, she had given up.

What's the point of getting out only to return empty-handed? She thought. 

 

Leaving the bed, she headed to the small kitchen and prepared coffee and eggs for both of them. 

 

Drew noted the smaller serving with discontent, so, as he sat down to eat, she remarked, "The fridge is empty." 

 

Glancing at her cousin, the young woman wondered what was on his mind. 

 

Since they had met, he had been in better spirits in the mornings. However, something felt ominous in the air. 

 

She hoped he would confide in her because she believed it couldn't be worse than the untold business he conducts. He shares, and explains his reasons to her.

 

After a breakfast in silence, Drew walked toward the door and descended the three steps of his trailer. 

 

He left his cousin Betty alone to finish breakfast.