Yawning, Anna let the curtain fall. She stared into the gloom of the bedroom, blinking at the intermittent red flash of the smoke detector on the ceiling and willing her eyes to adjust to the dull glow of the street lamps permeating the curtains. Shapes emerged in the shadows -- a chair, wardrobe, two tall bookcases. Matilda’s haphazardly heaped clothes sat on the chair seat and, next to them, a backpack stuffed ready to go.

Matilda’s coat hung on a door hook, Anna’s coat next to it. She couldn’t see her other clothes. When she’d called round after her shift, Matilda had greeted her, champagne in hand, wearing nothing but a smile and Anna had hurriedly shed her clothing, scattering garments like leaves in the wind in her eagerness for skin-on-skin contact.

Ah, what a night ...

Anna smiled at the memory but, as she gazed around, her face fell. Even in poor light, she saw the room was bare -- no pictures, no ornaments or books on the shelves. Nothing. All gone. The homely flat had been reduced to a shell.

She screwed her eyes shut, blocking out the sight. Instead, she concentrated on the sound of the shower and let images of Matilda -- lovely images -- consume her mind. Body wet and glistening, she’d be slathered in strawberry shower gel and green apple shampoo. The foam would be dripping from her breasts and clinging to her neat little triangle of pubic hair, like it did when they showered together after making love.

Memories. Wonderful, lovely memories.

Anna wriggled back under the duvet. Snug and safe, she let her thoughts fly ... She touched her breasts, squeezed them like Matilda had done mere hours ago. Her hips snaked slowly, rubbing against soft cotton, as she recalled every delicious moment of their lovemaking. Sighing, she slid her hands down her naked abdomen and, parting her thighs, touched the soft folds of her sex.

She was wet, juices beaded along her slit. She was sore too. Her pussy felt used. Ravished. Loved. Clenching her thighs, she eased a finger between her inner lips ... but heavy footsteps stomping across the room above caused her to stop. She looked up and sighed. The couple in flat five were starting their day. Always early risers, Anna had heard their morning noises many times but never paid any heed; she’d merely turned over and hugged Matilda. With her lover’s warm body in her arms, the racket always disappeared like fog in the sun. Dear sweet Mattie had that effect, but ...

Anna peered at her watch again -- and groaned. Vaguely nauseous, she covered her eyes with her hands. It’s almost time.