The narrator experiences a potentially dangerous situation involving a gas leak while staying at Darius's parents' house. Darius dismisses her concerns, attributing the odor to nearby construction. Feeling abandoned and alone, she questions her competence in managing the house, while simultaneously experiencing physical symptoms she had previously chalked up to unemployment. After calling the gas company and grappling with age-related complications, she reflects on her relationship, feeling that caring for the house could influence their uncertain future as a couple.
Darius had been away for a week when I started smelling gas in the kitchen of his parents' house. The next day, the smell of rotten eggs was stronger.
I called the gas company, but the recorded message said to call the emergency line if I smelled gas. I googled natural gas poisoning, side effects...
Taking care of the house felt like a test, one that would determine our future, somehow still tentative after two years together.
I didn't text again, not wanting him to think I couldn't be trusted with this simple task.
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