Advisory

The heat remains. It licks the island like a bumbling puppy unaware of its size and drenches the streets in a heavy, warm, wet blanket. I try to acclimate but end up standing in the grocery store's freezer for much longer than is environmentally conscious.

Another singer of our tormented youth dies, hangs himself in his beautiful home and leaves everyone else back at the beginning of the grieving process. You spent so many years teaching yourself it was no longer an option, only to be proven wrong by those you've leaned on. You wonder what you're supposed to learn now. Your music streaming service is quick to suggest the appropriate playlist, but you turn off the sounds, close the door. Open the word processor and focus.

The only thing that will get you out alive is keeping your shoulder to the wheel. It's not a pretty life, but it is your only one. If the darkness wants to catch me, it'll have to run like hell to keep up.