Until Tuesday — Sixteen

Adonyi Gábor

I find comfort in Amelia’s whisper, her voice warms me more than the flames dancing within the pit.

I wonder how we all came to be here, where here is, where AJ has gone; if his final scream was out of fear or pain.

I wonder why a woman I never knew would kiss with such passion, then react to me with such hatred.

I remember. I remember the view from the stairs, I remember the woman inside the room with her palm against the glass.

I remember how badly I wanted her, the animal lust and the lure of her almond-shaped eyes — the eyes that turned to a deadpan stare like those of a shark.

I feel the coolness of her fingertips trying to draw me in as sleep refuses to give in to her.

The sounds of the surroundings relax me.