Chapter Nine: Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End
Hiead scanned Kizna's room, whistling at its neat appearance. Trust her to leave nothing out of place, whatever the day may be.
Kizna motioned to an armchair by a window. "Please, sit down."
Once he sat, she began: "Zero tried to kill himself after your Ingrid got totaled. He managed to get his hands on a straight razor, and waited till after your funeral. I found him, in the act of slicing a wrist open, and god knows how, but between Erts and me, we talked him into going to the infirmary. The war was over, as we knew it, and they sent him to Borstal One. He stayed there for about six months."
Kizna recalled a summer day, where Zero sat, eyes dulled and despairing, at a small desk, with a photograph of Hiead and himself, set in a silver frame. She had worn a pale blue sundress, and came in with a knapsack full of discs. "Hey," she sang, "it's good to see you up and around. What's new?"
Zero said nothing. "Brought you some of your favorite discs, and a player, too. Thought you might enjoy a change of pace."
The dark-haired youth took the knapsack, nodding in thanks, and rummaged until he found a small disc player. He made another pass, and brought up a disc in a translucent violet jewel case. "Take the rest back. This is what I want to hear," Zero said, removing the disc and popping it into the player.
He left the desk, returning to bed; he then closed his eyes, and began singing: "Time has told me you're a rare find: a troubled cure for a troubled mind. And time has told me not to ask for more, for someday our ocean will find its shore. So I'll leave the ways that are making me be what I really don't want to be---leave the ways that are making me love what I really don't want to love. Time has told me you came with the dawn: a soul with no footprint, a rose with no thorn. Your tears, they tell me, there's really no way of ending your troubles with things you can say. And time will tell you to stay by my side, to keep on trying, till there's nowhere to hide. So leave the ways that are making you be what you really don't want to be---leave the ways that are making you love what you really don't want to love. Time has told me you're a rare find: a troubled cure for a troubled mind. And time has told me, not to ask for more, for someday our ocean will find its shore."
Kizna's lower lip trembled. "He really didn't want anything else. The whole afternoon, he stayed in bed and sang every song on that damned disc." He barely gave me a first glance, never mind a second.
"What was the official diagnosis?" Hiead asked. I know this seems a harsh question, but I have to know.
"The official diagnosis was post-traumatic stress disorder. Even after he left Borstal One, he still had a rough time of it."
"I can believe that. You must have had a plate filled to overflowing."
"Yes."
Hiead noticed a picture on Kizna's nightstand: she stood next to Ikhny, her arm around the smaller girl. I think that has to be one of the few open smiles that she ever wore. Well, they were best friends. Still, I wonder.
"Kizna, may I ask you something?"
"What would you like to know?"
"Tell me, were you and Ikhny in love with each other?" If she threatens you with her Fist of Doom, take it like a man.
Kizna's voice dropped. "We were." You don't hedge, do you? "And oddly enough, I had you to thank for that. That day when the VICTIM attacked GOA, and you were in the Pro-Ings. She had sabotaged Zero's vessel. Happily, he came back alive. I made up a story, told him I'd neglected to check my work. From that day on, she and I grew closer."
"She needed protection." From me, and from herself. I think I begin to see. "And you wanted to protect her." I should thank you for that.
"We slept together, but we never went as far as you did with Zero. Oh, we kissed, and we sort of explored, but we didn't really consummate the union. In a way, we were just best friends, who happened to like snogging." Kizna laughed, a slight laugh. "And if I could describe kissing Ikhny, one word comes to mind: delicious."
Hiead arched an eyebrow. "Does Zero know about this?"
"After she killed herself, I came here. Told him the whole story. Up to that point, I knew he was in pain. I just didn't appreciate how much, till I lost her. I miss Ikhny. Love her. Even if I marry, I don't see myself ever forgetting her." And I doubt I'll have the good fortune of seeing her, at least, not while I'm breathing.
"So, you're not in love with Zero, then?"
"No. I love him dearly, and I would stick with him in any situation. But even when we get romantic, we're not in the same place." Kizna paused. "Now, tell me, Hiead, are you in love with him?"
Hiead looked down, his voice soft and sad. "I was. And I think that I still am. And it unnerves me as much now as it did then." What do I do if he tells me to leave? But then, what do I do if he asks me to stay? We lost so much time. I'll never be able to make up for that.
"We're in a fine mess, aren't we?" Kizna said.
"Yeah." And I don't know that I want out all that much.
"What now?"
"We take a nap, and fix lunch for five afterwards. And then we pay respects at the viewing."
"That's not what I mean."
"I know. But that's what we do now, Kizna." Hiead stood up. "Thank you for the talk. If you'll excuse me?" He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and left.
Zero, meanwhile, had pulled out a disc, and was reading over the titles, which had been written in flowing script, inside the jacket of the jewel case. "What do I want to hear?" Aside from the door opening, and Hiead pouncing onto the bed, that is. Why I am I so afraid? Mother Kannon, but you'd think I was 16 again. He heard a tap at the door.
"Come on in, door's open." Hiead walked inside, and sat on Zero's bed. He leaned back a little, resting on his elbows. "There is something you need to know."
"And that would be?" I think I know. But tell me anyhow.
Zero put down the jewel case and began stroking Hiead's hair. "Remember what you asked me last night, whether I was in love with Kizna?"
"That's right. You didn't answer the question."
"Would you like me to answer now?" Oh god, what if he laughs at me?
"I would, thank you." If the goddesses ever loved me, I hope it's the answer I want to hear.
"No, I'm not in love with Kizna. I think I was more keen on the idea of it. And to answer another question," he said, placing his hands on Hiead's shoulders, "yes, I still am, and it still leaves me breathless."
Hiead sat up, taking Zero's left hand in his. "Rei." He ran his fingers along the hand, before turning it, palm side up, and feathering kisses across it.
"So now what?"
"Well, you and Kizna have a few things to settle. Not today, and maybe not for a little while. But the two of you will have to talk about how to break your engagement. As for the two of us, I think we'd best not rush." Though you are so beautiful, and I would love to pin you down, and study the wonderland that is your body.
"Yes, you're right," Zero replied, his voice low and husky. But I still want to see your face when I make love to you. I still want your kisses burning me, your voice crying for me, your eyes, like candles, lit with prayer, desire, and devotion.
"Tell me, what were we like? Really?"
"Kerosene and matches. We fought over everything you could imagine."
"So how did that change? I'd like to know." Zero removed his hand, coming around to kneel in front of Hiead."
"I'll show you. This might freak you a little bit, and if you want me to stop, just say so."
He took Hiead's hands in his, and pressed his forehead against that of the other man. "Don't be scared. I won't hurt you," he whispered. Silver and mocha hair meshed together. "Just breathe."
Hiead closed his eyes, tensing a moment, as a torrent of memories washed through him. His lips parted in a silent plea, as incidents and interludes clicked into place. Seven years ago, he had awakened, a blank slate, no identity. Now the threads that connected flashback, dream, and being drew together. He began shaking.
Zero drew away and sat next to Hiead. He wrapped his arms around the man, tears flowing down both their faces. {Koishii, I am so sorry, so sorry to have put you through that. Please don't be angry with me.}
{Rei, itooshii, was that all there was to me?}
{No, dear. You were---are---much more than that. Forgive me for overwhelming you, for the times I took you for granted, for that last argument. I didn't understand.}
{I still don't understand myself. But I'll be damned if I let anyone talk you down---even me. I thought I could take you. And you surprised me: you gave.}
Hiead's eyes met Zero's. "Rei," he asked, "look at me."
Zero looked up and saw: Hiead's eyes, open and clear. A hand traced across his cheek, with a delicacy that stunned Zero.
"May I kiss you?" Hiead asked. Zero nodded, as the other man pulled him into his lap. Oh, dear Mother Kali, you'd think I had never kissed before. He leaned forward, touching his lips to Zero's, and backing away. Zero leaned in, kissing Hiead's temple, cheeks, chin, and nose, eyes slipping shut. Hiead kissed his closed eyelids, burying his face in the dark, velvety hair.
When their mouths met again, Hiead pressed closer; Zero parted his lips, letting his tongue tease and invite. Hiead took the invitation, drawing Zero closer.
Sparks of silver and golden light pulsed through Hiead and Zero's fingers, wreathing their bodies. Let the world wait. This is home. I am home.
Finally, the two broke the kiss, still glowing. Hiead smiled at Zero. "I think it's time we both had a nap."
"Stay with me, please?" Zero asked.
"I will," Hiead replied, as they hugged, and lay down. Hiead gathered Zero in his arms, and pulled a comforter over them.
"Hiead?" Zero murmured, drifting into sleep. "Sing me a lullaby?"
"Yes," Hiead answered. He paused a moment, then began to sing: "They say my love for you ain't real; but you don't know how real it feels. All I want to do is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you, hold you."
Zero snuggled closer, his breathing evening out.
"Your sister says that I'm no good; I'd reassure her if I could. All I want to do is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you, hold you."
{Sleep with the angels, Hiead.}
{I already am, Rei.}
"Plans fail every day; I long to hear you say your love won't be leaving, your love ain't deceiving. Tears will soon fade away. Smile now; don't be afraid. All I want to is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you. "
Hiead kissed Zero's forehead, and inhaled the scent of his hair.
"So let me whisper in your ear. Don't you worry, they can't hear. All I want to do is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you."
He closed his eyes, listening to the sound of Zero's heartbeat.
Author's Notes
Hello, and thank you for reading this story. It's not as long as the last two, but I do hope that y'all all enjoy it. 88: I thought that, with all the other dreams, Habibi should have a perfectly feline dream. And I definitely will continue! UE: thank you again for the encouragement. Your insight keeps me on my toes! As for a list of what Hiead would record on a disc for Zero---I promise, I'll work on that. D-chan: thank you, dear, for the review. I've always liked food, and love to cook. Here in Miami, there are plenty of places that specialize in South American breads and pastries. I can even go to Publix, and find things like dulce de leche or chocolates from Brazil (Garoto choccies are excellent!).
Here is the recipe for alfajores. I must warn you, if you make your own dulce de leche, be careful! Really careful.
To make dulce de leche: Place cans of sweetened condensed milk in a deep pot (a stockpot works well), and cover the cans with water. Bring it to a boil, and keep it boiling for 2-4 hours, refilling the pot when the water boils down. Then turn off the heat, and leave the cans in the stockpot overnight. DO NOT REMOVE THEM UNTIL THE STOCKPOT, AND ITS CONTENTS, ARE COMPLETELY COOL. Otherwise, the change in temperature and pressure will cause the cans to explode---turning the kitchen into a disaster area and causing skin burns. Take the completely cooled cans, and open both ends. You will have a dark, thick, creamy caramel. Store in a closed container in the fridge. (A safer option: put the sweetened condensed milk into a pie pan, and stir it in a hot oven [I think 400°-425° is about right] for an hour or so. Again, you want to keep an eye on the pan, just to make sure it doesn't scorch.
To make alfajores: Use three cups of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, a teaspoon of baking soda, 1/3 of a cup of sugar (add more if you want a sweeter cookie) and salt. Cut in a cup of vegetable shortening and a cup of butter, and add a little milk, to form a dough. Knead the dough, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. Take the chilled dough, and roll it to about a 1/8-1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (a clean drinking glass will also do), and cut the dough into rounds. Place those on a cookie sheet that has been treated with cooking spray, and bake in a 350° oven, for about 10 minutes. Remove and cool. Take a cooled cookie, place a dollop of dulce de leche on top, and cover with another cookie. You can roll the edges in coconut, dip them in chocolate---or just snarf them as they are, with a little café con leche.
Music notes: The title is taken from the lyrics to "Closing Time" by Semisonic. The lyrics which Zero sings come from Nick Drake; "Time Has Told Me" is the song. The song Hiead sings to Zero is "You and Your Sister" by Chris Bell.
Coming up: the funeral and its aftermath. Zero and Kizna talk a bit. Hiead gets down to a little investigation. The dinner party kicks into high gear. Clay gets the shock of his life. Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome your comments, critique, feedback, praise, and flames. They mean a lot. And if you haven't added your review yet, please do!
For other nifty reading, check out D-chan's "Wahnsinn." Hiead/Clay fans, you do not want to miss this one. Suspenseful, intense, and well-written. And give Chevira Lowe's "Painting Pictures" a read.
Once more, thank you for reading. Here's to next time.
Antoinette (poetisa)
Hiead scanned Kizna's room, whistling at its neat appearance. Trust her to leave nothing out of place, whatever the day may be.
Kizna motioned to an armchair by a window. "Please, sit down."
Once he sat, she began: "Zero tried to kill himself after your Ingrid got totaled. He managed to get his hands on a straight razor, and waited till after your funeral. I found him, in the act of slicing a wrist open, and god knows how, but between Erts and me, we talked him into going to the infirmary. The war was over, as we knew it, and they sent him to Borstal One. He stayed there for about six months."
Kizna recalled a summer day, where Zero sat, eyes dulled and despairing, at a small desk, with a photograph of Hiead and himself, set in a silver frame. She had worn a pale blue sundress, and came in with a knapsack full of discs. "Hey," she sang, "it's good to see you up and around. What's new?"
Zero said nothing. "Brought you some of your favorite discs, and a player, too. Thought you might enjoy a change of pace."
The dark-haired youth took the knapsack, nodding in thanks, and rummaged until he found a small disc player. He made another pass, and brought up a disc in a translucent violet jewel case. "Take the rest back. This is what I want to hear," Zero said, removing the disc and popping it into the player.
He left the desk, returning to bed; he then closed his eyes, and began singing: "Time has told me you're a rare find: a troubled cure for a troubled mind. And time has told me not to ask for more, for someday our ocean will find its shore. So I'll leave the ways that are making me be what I really don't want to be---leave the ways that are making me love what I really don't want to love. Time has told me you came with the dawn: a soul with no footprint, a rose with no thorn. Your tears, they tell me, there's really no way of ending your troubles with things you can say. And time will tell you to stay by my side, to keep on trying, till there's nowhere to hide. So leave the ways that are making you be what you really don't want to be---leave the ways that are making you love what you really don't want to love. Time has told me you're a rare find: a troubled cure for a troubled mind. And time has told me, not to ask for more, for someday our ocean will find its shore."
Kizna's lower lip trembled. "He really didn't want anything else. The whole afternoon, he stayed in bed and sang every song on that damned disc." He barely gave me a first glance, never mind a second.
"What was the official diagnosis?" Hiead asked. I know this seems a harsh question, but I have to know.
"The official diagnosis was post-traumatic stress disorder. Even after he left Borstal One, he still had a rough time of it."
"I can believe that. You must have had a plate filled to overflowing."
"Yes."
Hiead noticed a picture on Kizna's nightstand: she stood next to Ikhny, her arm around the smaller girl. I think that has to be one of the few open smiles that she ever wore. Well, they were best friends. Still, I wonder.
"Kizna, may I ask you something?"
"What would you like to know?"
"Tell me, were you and Ikhny in love with each other?" If she threatens you with her Fist of Doom, take it like a man.
Kizna's voice dropped. "We were." You don't hedge, do you? "And oddly enough, I had you to thank for that. That day when the VICTIM attacked GOA, and you were in the Pro-Ings. She had sabotaged Zero's vessel. Happily, he came back alive. I made up a story, told him I'd neglected to check my work. From that day on, she and I grew closer."
"She needed protection." From me, and from herself. I think I begin to see. "And you wanted to protect her." I should thank you for that.
"We slept together, but we never went as far as you did with Zero. Oh, we kissed, and we sort of explored, but we didn't really consummate the union. In a way, we were just best friends, who happened to like snogging." Kizna laughed, a slight laugh. "And if I could describe kissing Ikhny, one word comes to mind: delicious."
Hiead arched an eyebrow. "Does Zero know about this?"
"After she killed herself, I came here. Told him the whole story. Up to that point, I knew he was in pain. I just didn't appreciate how much, till I lost her. I miss Ikhny. Love her. Even if I marry, I don't see myself ever forgetting her." And I doubt I'll have the good fortune of seeing her, at least, not while I'm breathing.
"So, you're not in love with Zero, then?"
"No. I love him dearly, and I would stick with him in any situation. But even when we get romantic, we're not in the same place." Kizna paused. "Now, tell me, Hiead, are you in love with him?"
Hiead looked down, his voice soft and sad. "I was. And I think that I still am. And it unnerves me as much now as it did then." What do I do if he tells me to leave? But then, what do I do if he asks me to stay? We lost so much time. I'll never be able to make up for that.
"We're in a fine mess, aren't we?" Kizna said.
"Yeah." And I don't know that I want out all that much.
"What now?"
"We take a nap, and fix lunch for five afterwards. And then we pay respects at the viewing."
"That's not what I mean."
"I know. But that's what we do now, Kizna." Hiead stood up. "Thank you for the talk. If you'll excuse me?" He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and left.
Zero, meanwhile, had pulled out a disc, and was reading over the titles, which had been written in flowing script, inside the jacket of the jewel case. "What do I want to hear?" Aside from the door opening, and Hiead pouncing onto the bed, that is. Why I am I so afraid? Mother Kannon, but you'd think I was 16 again. He heard a tap at the door.
"Come on in, door's open." Hiead walked inside, and sat on Zero's bed. He leaned back a little, resting on his elbows. "There is something you need to know."
"And that would be?" I think I know. But tell me anyhow.
Zero put down the jewel case and began stroking Hiead's hair. "Remember what you asked me last night, whether I was in love with Kizna?"
"That's right. You didn't answer the question."
"Would you like me to answer now?" Oh god, what if he laughs at me?
"I would, thank you." If the goddesses ever loved me, I hope it's the answer I want to hear.
"No, I'm not in love with Kizna. I think I was more keen on the idea of it. And to answer another question," he said, placing his hands on Hiead's shoulders, "yes, I still am, and it still leaves me breathless."
Hiead sat up, taking Zero's left hand in his. "Rei." He ran his fingers along the hand, before turning it, palm side up, and feathering kisses across it.
"So now what?"
"Well, you and Kizna have a few things to settle. Not today, and maybe not for a little while. But the two of you will have to talk about how to break your engagement. As for the two of us, I think we'd best not rush." Though you are so beautiful, and I would love to pin you down, and study the wonderland that is your body.
"Yes, you're right," Zero replied, his voice low and husky. But I still want to see your face when I make love to you. I still want your kisses burning me, your voice crying for me, your eyes, like candles, lit with prayer, desire, and devotion.
"Tell me, what were we like? Really?"
"Kerosene and matches. We fought over everything you could imagine."
"So how did that change? I'd like to know." Zero removed his hand, coming around to kneel in front of Hiead."
"I'll show you. This might freak you a little bit, and if you want me to stop, just say so."
He took Hiead's hands in his, and pressed his forehead against that of the other man. "Don't be scared. I won't hurt you," he whispered. Silver and mocha hair meshed together. "Just breathe."
Hiead closed his eyes, tensing a moment, as a torrent of memories washed through him. His lips parted in a silent plea, as incidents and interludes clicked into place. Seven years ago, he had awakened, a blank slate, no identity. Now the threads that connected flashback, dream, and being drew together. He began shaking.
Zero drew away and sat next to Hiead. He wrapped his arms around the man, tears flowing down both their faces. {Koishii, I am so sorry, so sorry to have put you through that. Please don't be angry with me.}
{Rei, itooshii, was that all there was to me?}
{No, dear. You were---are---much more than that. Forgive me for overwhelming you, for the times I took you for granted, for that last argument. I didn't understand.}
{I still don't understand myself. But I'll be damned if I let anyone talk you down---even me. I thought I could take you. And you surprised me: you gave.}
Hiead's eyes met Zero's. "Rei," he asked, "look at me."
Zero looked up and saw: Hiead's eyes, open and clear. A hand traced across his cheek, with a delicacy that stunned Zero.
"May I kiss you?" Hiead asked. Zero nodded, as the other man pulled him into his lap. Oh, dear Mother Kali, you'd think I had never kissed before. He leaned forward, touching his lips to Zero's, and backing away. Zero leaned in, kissing Hiead's temple, cheeks, chin, and nose, eyes slipping shut. Hiead kissed his closed eyelids, burying his face in the dark, velvety hair.
When their mouths met again, Hiead pressed closer; Zero parted his lips, letting his tongue tease and invite. Hiead took the invitation, drawing Zero closer.
Sparks of silver and golden light pulsed through Hiead and Zero's fingers, wreathing their bodies. Let the world wait. This is home. I am home.
Finally, the two broke the kiss, still glowing. Hiead smiled at Zero. "I think it's time we both had a nap."
"Stay with me, please?" Zero asked.
"I will," Hiead replied, as they hugged, and lay down. Hiead gathered Zero in his arms, and pulled a comforter over them.
"Hiead?" Zero murmured, drifting into sleep. "Sing me a lullaby?"
"Yes," Hiead answered. He paused a moment, then began to sing: "They say my love for you ain't real; but you don't know how real it feels. All I want to do is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you, hold you."
Zero snuggled closer, his breathing evening out.
"Your sister says that I'm no good; I'd reassure her if I could. All I want to do is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you, hold you."
{Sleep with the angels, Hiead.}
{I already am, Rei.}
"Plans fail every day; I long to hear you say your love won't be leaving, your love ain't deceiving. Tears will soon fade away. Smile now; don't be afraid. All I want to is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you. "
Hiead kissed Zero's forehead, and inhaled the scent of his hair.
"So let me whisper in your ear. Don't you worry, they can't hear. All I want to do is to spend some time with you, so I can hold you."
He closed his eyes, listening to the sound of Zero's heartbeat.
Author's Notes
Hello, and thank you for reading this story. It's not as long as the last two, but I do hope that y'all all enjoy it. 88: I thought that, with all the other dreams, Habibi should have a perfectly feline dream. And I definitely will continue! UE: thank you again for the encouragement. Your insight keeps me on my toes! As for a list of what Hiead would record on a disc for Zero---I promise, I'll work on that. D-chan: thank you, dear, for the review. I've always liked food, and love to cook. Here in Miami, there are plenty of places that specialize in South American breads and pastries. I can even go to Publix, and find things like dulce de leche or chocolates from Brazil (Garoto choccies are excellent!).
Here is the recipe for alfajores. I must warn you, if you make your own dulce de leche, be careful! Really careful.
To make dulce de leche: Place cans of sweetened condensed milk in a deep pot (a stockpot works well), and cover the cans with water. Bring it to a boil, and keep it boiling for 2-4 hours, refilling the pot when the water boils down. Then turn off the heat, and leave the cans in the stockpot overnight. DO NOT REMOVE THEM UNTIL THE STOCKPOT, AND ITS CONTENTS, ARE COMPLETELY COOL. Otherwise, the change in temperature and pressure will cause the cans to explode---turning the kitchen into a disaster area and causing skin burns. Take the completely cooled cans, and open both ends. You will have a dark, thick, creamy caramel. Store in a closed container in the fridge. (A safer option: put the sweetened condensed milk into a pie pan, and stir it in a hot oven [I think 400°-425° is about right] for an hour or so. Again, you want to keep an eye on the pan, just to make sure it doesn't scorch.
To make alfajores: Use three cups of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, a teaspoon of baking soda, 1/3 of a cup of sugar (add more if you want a sweeter cookie) and salt. Cut in a cup of vegetable shortening and a cup of butter, and add a little milk, to form a dough. Knead the dough, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. Take the chilled dough, and roll it to about a 1/8-1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (a clean drinking glass will also do), and cut the dough into rounds. Place those on a cookie sheet that has been treated with cooking spray, and bake in a 350° oven, for about 10 minutes. Remove and cool. Take a cooled cookie, place a dollop of dulce de leche on top, and cover with another cookie. You can roll the edges in coconut, dip them in chocolate---or just snarf them as they are, with a little café con leche.
Music notes: The title is taken from the lyrics to "Closing Time" by Semisonic. The lyrics which Zero sings come from Nick Drake; "Time Has Told Me" is the song. The song Hiead sings to Zero is "You and Your Sister" by Chris Bell.
Coming up: the funeral and its aftermath. Zero and Kizna talk a bit. Hiead gets down to a little investigation. The dinner party kicks into high gear. Clay gets the shock of his life. Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome your comments, critique, feedback, praise, and flames. They mean a lot. And if you haven't added your review yet, please do!
For other nifty reading, check out D-chan's "Wahnsinn." Hiead/Clay fans, you do not want to miss this one. Suspenseful, intense, and well-written. And give Chevira Lowe's "Painting Pictures" a read.
Once more, thank you for reading. Here's to next time.
Antoinette (poetisa)