My own eyes try to sleep, but they don't. They stay wide awake as time snarls forward and silence drops down, like measured thought.

My voice is like a rumour. I'm not sure if it came out or not, or if it is true.

I'd been in love with her for years. I never left this suburban town. I didn't go to university. I went to Audrey.

I only know that all of those people would have sensed me that night, excluding the youngest of the children. I was the suggestion. I was the advice, my imagined feet walking into the kitchen and down the corridor.

Liesel's blood had dried inside of her. It crumbled. She almost broke into pieces on the steps.

If I ever leave this place- I'll make sure I'm better HERE first.

Warily, she dares to allow me a smile. "It's okay. It's just...I'm not too good at talking to people." She looks away again as her shyness smothers her. "So, do you think it'd be all right if we don't talk?