Science was my first love. Even now, even here, my thoughts are full of her; jumbled equations, enzymes, obscure catalytic reactions. Units of volume. Dosages.
The screaming has quieted, for now. My eyes are raw from tears I can't remember; the sting of salt on dry, cracked lips a miserable constant in a world of nebulous shadow.
I want. I -need-.
[Please stop. Lauren. Please, stop.]
I miss you.
I want to stop.
Blood thunders in my ears, a stuttering, anticipatory syncopation that should give the medic in me pause. Not here, though. Not now. The plunger of the syringe depresses in my trembling hand, sending the familiar, heady rush surging through my veins.