Today, I spoke to no one.
The fire was the only one making conversation,75Please respect copyright.PENANAlZFeZkV9Kp
but it stuttered—forgetful, flickering,75Please respect copyright.PENANA8yMlo92Xv1
unsure if it was still supposed to burn.
I rearranged the bottles behind the bar.75Please respect copyright.PENANAKxcbkLsw5f
Not to clean. Not to organize.75Please respect copyright.PENANAV5KtvPvttQ
Just to see if they would sound different when touched.
One of them did.
It rang like a bell in water.
I picked it up, opened it.75Please respect copyright.PENANAMxxMeg9ydC
Empty.75Please respect copyright.PENANAH5pOGmLchF
But the scent inside was
...what was it?
I cannot recall now.75Please respect copyright.PENANAWA7CUAieoc
And I’m afraid if I try, something else will fall out of my head instead.
There are cracks forming in the shape of thoughts I used to have.75Please respect copyright.PENANAWrM1hQgnh6
Maybe too many stories have nested in my mind.75Please respect copyright.PENANAEbtHSXQc52
Maybe I should throw some out.
But which ones?
If I forget one guest, does that count as a Second Death?
I’ll sleep beside the hearth tonight.75Please respect copyright.PENANAJVk5GQwkdM
Maybe it remembers for me.