Page 86 of Her Sloth

The first time I felt peace in forever.

Because nothing matters.

Nothing I know, nothing that will be or could have been. The only thing that matters is being right here with her.

And then, I am pulled away, out of the car.

“NOOOOOOOO!” I scream, trying to fight whoever is pulling me.

I kick.

I roar.

I am not going to be rescued. I am going to die with her.

Flames are everywhere.

I am dragged away over concrete.

Someone handles me.

A blanket is thrown over me.

No. No. No.

My body acts on its own accord with power I didn’t know I had.

I turn—see the Eleanor in flames, with her inside.

A scream I don’t register as my own escapes my throat.

I fight myself onto my knees.

Run to her.

Someone grabs me with arms around me.

I need to get to her⁠—

She can’t die⁠—

Not without me⁠—

I scream.

And scream with tears streaming down my cheeks.

Nothing matters except getting to her.

I hit whoever is holding me with my elbows.

Kick.

Wiggle myself out of the grip.

Run to her.

Into the flames.