clouds engulf the sky rain patters on the ground wind whispers through the air heat is absent cheeks are pink noses disappear breaths are sharp fingertips disintegrate ears feel scorched leaves sweep across yards footsteps are erratic and bountiful children’s laughter echoes creaking comes from open doors crackling is followed by hands grabbing sweetness is

There were already stains on the carpet when Shawn arrived at the motel earlier that evening, but this new one stood out. He could see it clearly in the reflection of the mirror…that, and the lifeless woman lying next to it. A rivulet of red seeped out from the bullet wound in her neck, and