His presence both comforts and devastates me. I feel my heart beat, then wither, naked as a stone on the raging mattress, as the glorious full moon night slips through the window, dappling the flanks of this innocent who builds cages for the darling birds. Eat me, drink me; I’m thirsty and cranky. I travel back and forth to him, letting his fingertips strip the tatter flesh and cover me in his watery robe. This drenching garment, with its slithering stink and drowning ability.

***

Mia

I am eating in the kitchen.

"Good morning," someone says.

I stared Beta Scott in the eyes.

I respond, "Good morning."

"I apologize for...