Cry.
Take deep breaths--
but tears leak out anyway.
More shuddering breaths.
Go upstairs.
Take a bit of time on the last step,
and lean backwards.
Relish in the briefest moment of uncertainty.
A fleeting thought about
wanting to fall down, have the earth swallow,
blackness.
Force that thought away.
Arrive at the bathroom.
Quick glance at mirror, confirm disheveled appearance.
Grab toilet paper.
Blow nose rhythmically,
left nostril first,
then right.
All better.
All better.
All better, right?
Tears again.
Guess not.