• I smell decaying leaves, and something burning.

    The trees are on fire. I’m still cold.

    You beckon, ahead of me, and I quicken my steps.

    Though I am next to you, you give off no warmth.

    Why is that?


    My breath fogs in front of me.

    There are no clouds before your mouth.

    Why is that?


    I shiver. You put your arm around me.

    I am even colder.

    Why is that?


    I love autumn, you say, smiling.

    I don’t. And I am freezing slowly.

    Why is that?


    At the door of my apartment you kiss me.

    Your lips are like ice, burning on mine.

    Why is that?


    You comment on my rosy cheeks.

    Your roses are white, if not dead.

    Why is that?


    Your eyes drill into me, dark and empty.

    You move closer. Such a shame, you sigh. A shame.

    Why is th—