In which my name becomes a mantra, a battle cry or merely a reminder to keep breathing.
While I remain a damsel in the claws of a beast his voice and my name ring out like a prayer.
Like if he shouts for me enough times it will be enough to save me.
"Hold on Jess, I'm coming!" He shouts and for a moment I wonder how he expects me to do anything else. Like I am capable of anything other than screaming either; I'm not blaming him, just merely pointing out the facts. He and I scream for one another as a way to say I'm here, I'm alive, I am fighting for you.
I feel my blood crust and tighten over my skin as the brutal cold freezes it instantly, my throat will be raw and broken come the morning if I am lucky to make it that long.
I wonder what Michael will think of this beast, when he comes to fight it face to face.
I wonder if he will make it in time.
The monster croaks a wicked scream so vile and pungent before my face I lose every sense I have.
It's funny the power that a name holds, one moment I'm convinced I'm a goner the next I hear his voice; frantic and magical, the beast turns to the sound and leaves me abandoned on the elevator.
I am left to gasp and gape at the horror I've just witnessed; as I am left to process I almost miss the figure of my savoir above me.
"Jess." He says my name again, in that same desperate prayer.
"Mike… Help me." I rasp, still reeling yet trying to reach out for him; then it's down, down, down, nothing.
I am barely able to stand, but the way that Michael screamed my name still haunts me; I stand up, get my bearing, and attack the first thing I see. Matt's always been quick with his reflexes and even quicker to forgive. He is in awe of my might, of my grit and this life that I cling to so fiercely; he almost forgets to move on.
I tell him of my fall, and he wonders how I am still breathing. I would wonder the same thing if I didn't remember the voice of the boy who saved me. But this body has not failed me either, Michael gave me a chance that I was not willing to throw away.
Despite the pain, the blood and the bruises I am walking, running even. My body should be ready to collapse but I will not, this temple of mine will not crumble beneath the weight of this myth we now face.
We are running, Matt and I are side by side, the monster at our heels and we do not know where to turn next. He calls to me, "Jess! Hold on Jess." I wonder how he expects me to do anything else.
