# Fifth-Floor Walkup 

**Published by:** [Oren Peleg](https://paragraph.com/@oren-peleg/)
**Published on:** 2023-02-07
**URL:** https://paragraph.com/@oren-peleg/fifth-floor-walkup

## Content

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 Be sure to subscribe and collect! Drop a line to say hi :)

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