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bile swirling in my gut.

Why is she saying all this?

It’s too much.

I think it’s time for you to go home,

I say finally, my voice low and harsh.

I know I am being a child

but I can’t stop the tantrum

I feel coming.

Juniper, Lyric sighs.

I’m not trying to

tear you down, really.

I’m trying to make you aware

of how much you already have

going for you.

I know you can do this

if you really want to.

I’m trying to tell you

I believe in you,Lyric says.

Well your timing is fucked, Lyric,

I yell.

I’m already trying to process

what happened in there

and now you dump this on me?!

You know what—I can’t do this right now.

Let’s just forget it.

I don’t know why you care so much.

We’re not even really dating.

With that little burst of word vomit

I turn my back to Lyric

start to stomp away toward home.