I begged for forgiveness —

I became what you predicted — She said I was scorn wreaking madness, slicing the veins of mankind. I was a ticking bomb, arousing confusion. She accused me of choking love’s existence. Said my heart forced hers into submission. My hate breathed fire as her words fell, scorching my flesh, burying the love I felt. I…

Your petals were free —

The perfect performance — I stood in the concert hall waiting for Sheila to bring my tea. Maybe I should have sent someone else. After all, she’s still bitter about Michael. Her inability to hang onto a man had nothing to do with me, but I was being blamed for her tattered heart. I’d…

It’s foggy tonight — “Kia,” I whispered, peering through the dense fog as it danced around me. I knew better than to bring her out here this late. Her parents were going to kill me. My feet brushed against the gravel, sending stones and leaves rustling through the night air. My head turned as…

Are you ready to die? — I should have known there would be tentacles. Neck deep in a pool of filthy water with veins tangled around my legs, I waded through the murky abyss as it slithered toward me. Like a chameleon, its opaque skin merged with the water, disappearing as it sunk underneath. Lowering my…

Bound to silence —

Knowledge and power are never free — The case arrived this morning. Next to it laid a note from Carla: ‘It was sitting outside. I removed the contents for you. Headed to meeting.’ I placed the note back on the table and studied the case. Two bronze hinges held the box together, fastened along the back. I…

February 16, 2027 — The sky cracked open February 16, 2027. Everyone gathered downtown, in front of the new library built a few weeks prior. We stood in awe, face toward the sky as it split in half. Darkness. That’s all that could be seen. But we watched, patiently waiting. For what? …