I can see us, living in the woods, her wearing that A, me with a S maybe, S for silent, S for stupid, for scared. S for silly. For shame.

I am not going to think about it. It was ugly, but it’s over, and I’m not going to think about it.

Be careful what you wish for. There's always a catch.

A breath of steam trickles out, filled with the sobs of a grown woman breaking into girl-sized pieces.

They tied me back together, but they didn't use double knots. My insides are draining out of the fault lines in my skin, I can feel it, but every time I check the bandages, they're dry.

I won the wintergirl trip over the border into dangerland.

I stuff my mouth with old fabric and scream until there are no sounds left under my skin.