It's been one day since you touched me.
You came home from work today, ate a quick dinner and went immediately to your study, shutting the door behind you. Several hours later, my tentative knock is met with, "Go to bed, pet." I hoped that you would wake me when you came to bed, but you did not and the next morning, you left without awakening me.
It's been two days since you touched me.
My skin feels as if it could fly apart at any minute, I crave your touch so. You come home tired and grouchy, muttering about grades to report, a thesis to read and presentations to prepare. Once more, you go directly to your study and shut the door. I go to bed alone but cannot sleep. You come to bed but lay with your back to me, probably thinking that I am sleeping. I hope that you will turn and take me into your arms, but you don't and I hear your breathing change as you fall asleep.
It's been three days since you touched me.
My need for you is like a living thing coiled inside me. You are tired and silent when you arrive home and silence me when I ask about your day. Once more, the door of your study is closed between us. You cannot see my tears of frustration and I stand outside that door, wondering what to do. I wait for you in bed and it is very late when you come in. You lay down and I reach out to caress you, but you move my hand away. I dare another touch and you grab my wrist in your strong hand, moving my hand away once more and then say, "Go sleep in your own room tonight pet", then silence me when I protest, not seeing my tears in the dark.
It's been four days since you touched me.
Even punishment would be better than living without your touch. I don't meet you at the door tonight and you find me asleep on your bed, exhausted from my tears. You touch my shoulder and I awaken with a start. I realize what I have done and swiftly slide to my knees on the floor at your feet, knowing, with a sinking feeling, that I must be quite a sight with my makeup cried off and my hair a mess. You just stand there, looking at me, and tears come to my eyes again.
"Please forgive me, forgive me, Sir."
"For what, little pet? It would seem that I am the one in need of forgiveness here tonight. I have neglected you shamefully."
You bend and lift me from the floor, sitting on the edge of the bed and holding me in your lap as I cry. You hold me for a long time, making gentle soothing noises and stroking my hair until my sobs finally taper off and then stop.