You are still here. I have tried to free myself of you, but you remain.


Your touch crawls along my skin. I keep the blade in my hand. I attempt to cut you away.


But no matter how much I bleed, I still feel you..


Your voice echoes in my mind. I put my hands over my ears. Maybe I can drown you out.


But no matter how loud I scream, I still hear you.


*


They put me here to keep me safe. They think they can kill you.


They give me medicine. I tell them I'm not sick. But I know that I am. You are my illness.


I sink to the floor, drawing my knees close to my body and staring down at my wrists. You are there, beneath the skin.


I tear at the old wounds, and soon my arms and hands are slick with dark liquid. There is blood under my nails.


I laugh until I cry.


*


I am leaving here today. They think that I am better. That you are gone.


The cuts on my arms are healing. They say I have made great progress.


I say nothing.


I am thinking of the dagger in my bedside drawer at home.


Speak to me now Tom. While you have the chance.

Because I'm killing you tonight.