Stranger

You are in a field you remember from your youth. You are a child again and have no concept of the adult magisterium. Your troubles are grounded and immediate, the large dog barks and is scary so you run. The grass seems to go out to infinity in every direction. You do not grow tired. You don't even know what being tired might feel like. The sun beams down and warms your skin. You are wearing your pretty new dress. You were so proud of it when mommy let you pick it out.

You are in your middle school hallway. You touch up your dark eyeliner. The girls are sure that goth isn't just a phase. You're at the concert. Jessica brought a boy. The thought fills you with terror. You lose yourself in the band and good vibrations.

It's prom night. Tim's beat up Jeep stops in front of your house. He looks lanky and cute in his dad's suit. You're at the dance. A slow song comes on. Tim takes your hand. Neither of you know what you're doing. It doesn't matter. He takes the lead. He moves closer. You move closer. Your lips meet. Darkness.