Playing Cards With Aliens by Erin Raegan

Small town. Small life. Smaller dreams.

I’m content. Happy. It might not make sense to most people but this is the life I chose for myself.
If there’s a small part of me that wants to travel and see the world, I’m okay with appeasing that desire with travel magazines and planning future vacations. I want this life and a life full of adventure. I don’t see why I can’t have both.
I’m just fine with waiting.
But something beyond me has already decided that my contentment with life is about to change.
That change came with three new faces. Three new visitors that have suddenly—before I knew what was happening—taken over mine and my family’s lives. They live with us. They eat with us. They sleep and share a bathroom with us. I don’t remember inviting them. I don’t remember consenting to their invasion in our lives.
I don’t remember much of anything these days.
But they’re here.
He’s here.
And I don’t think I want them to leave.
I don’t want him to leave.
At least until I realize why we stopped asking questions. Why we accept their vague explanations and strange mannerisms.
Why we can’t shake the headaches.
Then I can’t get rid of them fast enough.
I can’t get rid of him fast enough.
Even if it breaks my heart.