When we get to my condo, I realize that there is no way that we can get up the stairs as we are. They are too narrow for two people to walk side by side. I decide that I have to be a big girl now and limp myself up the stairs. Surely I can do this alone. I know how illogical this is, but I try to stand up and away from him anyway.

"I think I can stand." I tell him. My words are slurring together. He raises his eyebrows, but loosens his grip to let me try. I stand, and begin to smile, but my knees start shaking, and my muscles give out on me. He catches me before I hit the ground, his mouth set in a grim smile.

"I won't say I told you so." He says.

"You didn't." I slur.

He picks me up off my feet in one swift motion, cradling me in his arms like a child. I think momentarily about telling him to put me down, that I can do it myself, but i reject the idea as stupid. If I must be weak, fine. But I won't be pigheaded and stupid. And besides, it is very comfortable.

He carries me up the stairs, and sets me down for a moment to open the door to the condo. It is unlocked, as always. I do not have anywhere to put my keys on the beach while I am surfing.

The door creaks open onto my dimly lit living room. He pauses for a minute, and looks down at me before simply going through the doorway and dropping me on the couch. I curl up into a ball, dripping wet, my teeth chattering uncontrollably. We share an awkward moment where neither of us knows what to say or do. I blush and look away. I am furious with myself. Drowning would have been better than this.

"Where are the clothes and blankets?" His voice is quiet. If the house were not empty but for the two of us, I might not have heard him . But we are here, alone, togethe