there's a chill in the air, it's settled into my bones.
bare feet in the cold march air step towards a familiar place.
i'm breathing better than i have in months.
"it's been awhile."
well hi to you, too.
"i know. i'm sorry."
i apologize, but i'm mainly awaiting yours.
the moon draws silver shadows over each of us.
i can see the silhouette of our tree over the lake.
"don't be, i am. but..." [your hand is so heavy on my arm.]
"but...what?"
"i'm finishing what i started. i'm...i'm sorry i let it go on this long."
there is a second, right there, where i think this is going elsewhere.
down a different road, with a different soundtrack to lead the way.
but i think, even then, i knew.

"if you scream, it'll be the last thing you do."
you're getting off on this. this is not a game.
this is not a game, and it hurts.
this is not a game, i'm scared, and i close my eyes.
"open your eyes."
no.
"open your damn eyes."
i always liked having my hair played with.
this is nothing like that.
"much better."
hot breath rushing over my ear, my face, my lips.
into my mouth.
oh...there goes dinner.
"you gonna behave now?"
i have no choice. you're choking me.
i can't breathe.
"you looking at it?"
yes. how can i not?
i always thought it was a lovely weapon.
"yeah, i won't hesitate to use it. don't push me."
i'd never dream of it.
besides, i can't move my arms.
"don't push me, bitch. don't push me."
you'll find me very compliant if you continue this.
i fear i won't have much of an option.

oh, and to think this is but the beginning.