Today, I spoke to no one.
The fire was the only one making conversation,60Please respect copyright.PENANAS3a8f2YzdO
but it stuttered—forgetful, flickering,60Please respect copyright.PENANA5vLeFvonTz
unsure if it was still supposed to burn.
I rearranged the bottles behind the bar.60Please respect copyright.PENANA3UMA8Szp3L
Not to clean. Not to organize.60Please respect copyright.PENANATEuk9hbP0r
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.60Please respect copyright.PENANAF9RVzbNPLn
Empty.60Please respect copyright.PENANA5g1IqtQGlc
But the scent inside was
...what was it?
I cannot recall now.60Please respect copyright.PENANAbEUqU2Av6q
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.60Please respect copyright.PENANAB3lqGgLEeF
Maybe too many stories have nested in my mind.60Please respect copyright.PENANA3jHpLHYmZD
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.60Please respect copyright.PENANALSlva1tqh6
Maybe it remembers for me.