The phone rang. I picked it up and recited my line.

“Thank you for calling Best Price medical equipment, this is Steph, how can I help you?” No enthusiasm, no heart.

“Steph I couldn’t get you on your cell…” she rattled breathlessly.

“I’m working, what’s up?” I said in the pause, annoyed.

“I have to go home. My dad—I don’t know what’s going on. His condition got worse.”

“Shit. I...

I woke up from a dream

where you left me for someone

better than me.

It morphed into nightmare—

unexpected and raw.

But I woke up holding you,

comfort easing mind and soul.

You did not even know,

yet I went through hell

believing you were leaving.

And I am relieved

that you are still here....

I dreamt I met three—

The Boy, The Philosopher,

and the Critic.

The Boy asked who,

the Philosopher asked why,

and the Critic simply said,

“You’re not good enough”.

I sought Morpheus—

to give meaning to my dream

and I was challenged;

to prove myself wrong.

I am worthy of my dream,

and knowing of its purpose....

“What the hell? What’s that supposed to mean?”

The phone warbled.

“You’re a fucking asshole—“

“Fuck you! I’ve done everything for this relationship…”

hot needles into my nail beds.

“Why’re you acting like this?”

I flinched.

“I don’t deserve this. I’ve done nothing but love you. I take care of you. I pay the bills. I cook dinner. I clean the apartment—“

“Were done. You can have your ring b...

Poor past self.

Horrors of self making.

Overstimulated imagination.

Born into nightmares.

In places of vast empty.

Alone in great oceans....

I hope you know,

I never mean to

take you for granted.

I don't know what

I'd do without you.

Panic builds in my chest

when my thoughts interject

a life without you.

I don't know what

I'd do without you.

My nightmares

are of losing you

and being alone.

I don't know what

I'd do without you.

You are my confidant,

my best friend,

the salve to my wounds.

I don't know what

I'd do without you.

I'...

Artificial smile

distorting pain into façade.

Silent screams

of cathartic release.

Sealed mouth—

containing cries for help.

Splintered soul,

carefully hidden damage.

Darkening mind,

growing bitter thoughts.

Dreamless sleep,

hoping never to wake....

“Whatd’ya think, Ben? This gonna fix it?”

Erick flipped the wrench in his hand, slapped the keys a few times, and swapped out the fuses.

“There. Turn it back on. Let’s see if that works.”

Ben flipped the breaker. Electricity buzzed angrily, and sparks blasted from the panel.

“Shaw-sturra!” Erick screamed. “I thought I had it that time!”

His hands remembered the ten hours of d...

I’m seeing connections

between things I could never imagine.

And to be honest,

I was unwilling for a long time

to let people into my life,

to get personal.

To share the ideas and thoughts I have

is difficult.

I never believed people

could accept me for me.

So I always had a mask on.

But I don’t wanna hide anymore.

It’s exhausting—

being someone else....

Kota was frozen before the house. It was still the same midwestern home, yet age marked it distinctly. The sidewalk had cracked under the weight of years, but the handprints were still there. He shook his head, 1999 was so long ago.

He put his weight on the first step, it groaned. He couldn’t tell if it was welcoming him or trying to warn him away. Paint flecked off the handrail, was this the s...