Phil came by to help me clean. Of course he stayed far away from the bedroom. It isn't dirty.

That's the only room I keep clean. That's the way he likes it when he comes over.

"This is no place to live." Phil says as he sits in front of me. I'm on the floor still leaning against the bedroom door.

"I'm not trying to live." I simply respond.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?" Phil asks as he puts his hands on my shoulders.

My eyes connect with his. "I need money."

I feel like I've said this more than my own name.

"I'll lend you money, you can get a job. Just stop doing this." Phil pleads with me. I see a tear slip out of his eyes.

"I can't stop this. Only he can." I state emotionlessly.