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hot flame in my veins.

Nears the point

of misfire.

They say, when facing

the onslaught of tooth

and claw, a creature’s

heart can simply quit.

My heart

issues a warning, and

though I keep my feet,

my brain disconnects.

A black ghost swirls,

threatens

to suck me inside.

Voices. All around me.

Can’t see who they

belong to, but I want them

to stop.

Stop. Slow. Silence.

GENTLE SHAKING

I am swimming up.

Voices make me want

to dive back down.

… you all right? Bryce.

… coming out of it. Micah.

… be okay now. Grandfather.

… freaking weird. Anonymous.

I am making an awful

scene at Aunt Cora’s

wedding. Oh my God.