LORETTA

I didn't know when I left behind my laptop, I didn't remember getting into bed or falling asleep, but I remembered tossing all through the night

I remember having a nightmare where I was being chased by my own replica, and every time I tried reaching from Elion's outstretched arms, he only drifted farther and farther away

The heaviness in my chest woke me up before the morning sunlight did. I reached out a hand to touch my cheek, and it was still sticky from the dried tears.

For several long seconds, I lay perfectly still, staring at the ceiling, hoping yesterday had been part of that ugly dream....