327 words, and no title...well, there's a 2 in there. This got away from me, it's been revised and pared down, but can't really get it any shorter I don't think...
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I break the tedium with a yawn and wonder if anyone has had the temerity to listen a word I say. Truth is, this has taken too long to let anyone mess it up for me now. The time, the patience that has gone into planning tonight…I will reap the reward of my sacrifice! I look up at the sun, setting like a violet bruise across the sky, and close my eyes. I stand with a sigh, gently counting under my breath. So much planning, so much thought has gone into this. Night’s inky blackness is now creeping into the room, but thankfully no-one makes a sound. From the corner of my eye I see a flash of light and spin round, but it is simply someone checking their phone. He raises scared, apologetic hands, but I have already turned and started to quietly pace the floor, knowing there is no cell reception in here. Head bowed and deep in thought, I almost miss the tell-tale noise from below, the slamming of the front door. Someone has entered the building. The last of the natural light is almost gone from the room, but there is enough that everyone can see my raised hands. A sound at the door, a key in the lock. It turns, and it’s almost as if the world is holding its breath. The door opens, and a figure is framed in the doorway, hand straying towards the light, flipping it on.
“Surprise! Happy birthday baby,” I yell, running to her and scooping her up in my arms. I can see that she’s crying, obviously overcome with joy. I knew the restraining order was a mistake, and I lead her into the apartment. All our friends are there, strangely subdued, but I put that down to the tape over their mouths and round their wrists. I kick the door closed behind me and whisper in my baby’s ear “Let’s get this party started”