A Dedicated Fan: I like how these short chapters are killing people.
Ash: Yeah, that, lol.
Malexfaith: I wouldn't consider it a teaser. These chapters just read better at this length.
Pixie1913: Interesting you should say what you did...
Vickstik: Funny story - I was editing chapter 90 at a medical appointment, and my blood pressure literally went up, and they were like "wtf".

Arrhythmia

Tears remind you you're alive.
It's alright to die,
'Cause death's the only thing you haven't tried.
But just for tonight, hold on.
- Ed Sheeran

Aubrey starts to cry again.

She's in a state of terror that doesn't seem possible, her stomach feels sick, her entire body is in pain – and all she wants is to know what fucking time it is.

She stands up and walks back over to the booth, places her head on her arms so no one can see her after she sits down, and just cries.

Chloe joins her. She tries rubbing Aubrey's back, but then just lowers her head down to Aubrey's shoulder, and she cries too.

And Aubrey can't do anything.

She can't do anything.

Then Beca is beside them, and they all have to squeeze in close, because it isn't a booth made for three people. She wraps her arms around Chloe's shoulders, and rests her hand against Aubrey's back. Suddenly they're all three crying.

Aubrey tries to pull away, but she's already smashed against the wall.

She wants to stand up.

She wants to put on the show that she's gotten so used to performing.

She wants to be strong.

A leader.

A soldier.

Her father's daughter.

Someone invincible.

Invulnerable.

Posens don't cry.

Posens have no fear.

They power through.

They show no weakness.

They have no weakness.

They survive.

Aubrey tangles her fingers up in her hair, and silently bawls.