ALIANA

My head is pounding.

A weight presses into my spine, slow and steady, dragging me up from nothing. Salt coats my tongue, dry and bitter. Heat comes next. Not sharp, but thick, clinging to my skin.

Michael.

That moment from yesterday comes back, hazy around the corners yet sharp where it hurts. Inside that bar. Those drinks one after another. Legs barely working down the street. Him holding my arms, lifting me up. Me too out of it to say stop.

Morning comes through the cracks in the blinds, a dull glow creeps in.

Breath warm on my skin, slow and steady near my shoulder. An arm lies low...