I wake, gasping for air. I can’t breath. My lungs have been clogged, and I’m in unbearable pain.

I grab Correolanus’s arm, shaking it wildly. He panics and runs for the stream.

I think all is lost, that this is the end. I won’t even die in a romantic way.

He lifts me and pours the water into my mouth. After a few moments, my breath comes back to me.

My chest is in unbearable pain as I wheeze, clinging to Correolanus’s arm while I shake wildly.

He carefully pulls my jacket off and pours the rest of the water onto my burning rashes.

“I can’t do this anymore, I just need to die already,” I whimper.

“You can’t die yet, Melody. We need you, I need you.” He squeezes my hand as I continued sobbing.

“I’m only still alive because I have to be, Correolanus. I’m barely hanging on by a thread.”

“I know Melody-“ “no you don’t!” I yell, standing up. “I’m in misery but I have to stay alive because people supposedly need me! I’m not even alive because I want to be,” I cry.

Correolanus hangs his head.

“I’m sorry Melody, I didn’t-“ “well you did.” I say coldly. I move to the grass and curl up in a ball.

When will this end?

When I wake, I realize I made a terrible mistake. I turn to the fire, but Correolanus is gone.

At first, I think he’s just out gathering more water. Then I realize it’s more serious.

None of his belongings are here.

He left me. I begin to panic. I thought I trusted him. I thought he loved me.

The panic goes on for a moment longer, until I see something shining in the sand.

I caustiously pull the tiny bottle out of the sand, and notice a slip of paper inside.

I uncork the bottle, and struggle to pull out a tiny piece of paper.

My hands shake as I unravel it.

_”Let’s play a game.”_