maybe i have never known fear. is that this, seeping through my pores holding my tongue steady, my feet firm on the floor? they say you have to have something to lose. check that box. eyes wild, hair overgrown, fingertips unsteadily tracing patterns into my bones. something like a nightmare, sleep paralysis. the only thing i see, speeding heart, head pounding with possible plans of exit, but cannot move, will not. but it is everything. everything. ever- ything. and i am terrified.