[Mouse] A i
H u a
“The world doesn’t run on truth. You know this Aspera… So why do you keep trying to sprint on its uneven roads?” His words coiled their way into my beating heart as a snake does to a small mouse. Then as a snake would, they tighten, and press. Until my heartbeat slows and the warmth that had emitted from my lips no longer fogged my glasses. We were walking side-by-side that night. The usually busy alley was filled with ghosts of the morning events. Leaving obnoxious candy wrappers littered on the gray brick ground and closed family shops to the night wanderers. Wanderers such as myself. And Rahj. I averted my attention away from his questioning eyes that had always reminded me of hot chocolate. Warm brown gazes lingering on treasures and desires with stunning white flecks like marshmallows. A memory so innocent and juvenile. I almost forgot that he used to be that way. “Well… I suppose it’s something I value. Something that impresses me. And would very much appreciate it if the world could impress me.” Squaring my shoulders back I take a deep breath, letting the gelid night air bite the back of my throat. “But you don’t have to worry, Rahj.” Looking over to the man who I despise, I grit my teeth at how he looks so sweet. Hair, the shade of poetry ink, rosy cheeks against his tawny complexion, hands made for caring and yet used for… “You don’t have to worry. You will never impress me the way I’d wish you had. The way I wish you would.” My words cut a slice out of the night sky. And by the look in Rahj’s eyes, a piece of his heart… Good. Like a snake leaving its prey, I leave him. For he was a bitter mouse. Good for killing, not for my health. 92
