# Fifth-Floor Walkup By [Oren Peleg](https://paragraph.com/@oren-peleg) · 2023-02-07 --- _I moved in, so I should be the one to move out_ she said. She wiped her cheeks with her hand. He didn’t argue. _If this is what you want._ He just sat in the living room with her, checking his watch on occasion to get the timing right. _I can already smell the pie_ he said. She nodded, looking down at the arm of her chair. _When do you think you’ll leave_ he asked. _Jessie said I could stay with her until I figure out what to do._ _You already talked to her about this?_ _Just a few hours ago._ He checked his watch again. He figured the pie would be finished soon. _So, I’ll probably sleep there tonight, then come back tomorrow for my things_ she continued. _You’ll at least stay for the pie_ he asked. _Sure._ She tried to smile. _Where did you learn this recipe, anyway_ she asked. _No recipe. Each pie is different, really._ he said and got up. _Do you smell that_ he continued. She sniffed the air. _Does smell a little burnt._ _Shouldn’t be. We gave it the right amount of time._ _What’s the right amount? I thought you said each one was different_ she asked. _Some basics stay the same. All pies need to be baked, and it’ll start to smell a certain way usually around the same time. That’s how you can tell_ he replied. _Tell what_ she asked. They were standing in front of the oven. _If it’s right or not_. She looked away from him for a moment. _You’re not going to ask me to stay?_ _No._ _So you want me to leave?_ _I didn’t say that._ _Then talk to me. All you seem to care about is this fucking pie._ He didn’t look at her. He opened the oven door and pulled out the pie and baking sheet and let them rest on the stovetop. _It’s burnt_ he said. _Why didn’t you follow a recipe?_ _Did we put everything in_ he asked himself. _Clearly not. You forgot something._ We _forgot something._ She crossed her arms and leaned back against the counter. _I used the unsalted butter like you asked._ _That really doesn’t matter, now_ he said. _And I put the almond meal in when you asked_ she said. He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose then put them back on and threw the pie into the trash. _Just like that_ she asked. _We messed up. What do you want me to do_ he said. _Well, can’t we just break off the burnt parts?_ _Sometimes you can catch it before it’s ruined, but once it is, that’s it_ he said and left the room. _Let me guess, ‘timing is everything’_ she said, playing his voice. He didn’t argue. [Subscribe](null) _Be sure to subscribe and collect!_ _Drop a line to say hi :)_ --- *Originally published on [Oren Peleg](https://paragraph.com/@oren-peleg/fifth-floor-walkup)*