Ephemera

1. Voices

My wall whispers at night. I haven't slept in two weeks. I’m losing my mind. Neighbors have constant conversations. The voices are familiar, like from a dream, but indiscernible. When I put my curious ear to the wall it falls silent. Only when I fall asleep does it feel as if it starts talking about me. Desperation has been burning a hole in my ear. My teeth grind incessantly. Maya, my wife doesn't hear it. She sleeps soundly. The kids don't hear it. Nothing exists beyond the wall but clearing and woodline. Tonight I heard English words. I heard smiles.

Wall

2. Words

It happens everyday now. Rue stares at the wall, ears perked. Dog hears them. Whispers grow weekly, audible over my earplugs. I obsess over meaningless words. I wish with all my heart to be part of it. For long hours, I teeter on the edge between awake and asleep. Their words are impossible to replicate via speech or writing. It hurts to try and fail. Bedridden, on the third day, conversations materialize into coherent words. It speaks to me directly and commands me to document the messages and spread them. “His will be done. Love and Fear.” I cry.

Rue

2. Rewards

They will come here soon. Rue is gone. Maya is gone. The kids are gone. It's just me. I've been writing everything relentlessly. Every word has been repeated by my tongue and annotated. I am chosen for this imperative task and it's complete . My fingers are worn to the bone. I used our blood when ink ran dry months ago. A tower of pages awaits review. My rewards will be delivered soon. I can't remember Maya's face. I can't remember my kids' faces. Tears burn my cheeks. My eyes, long gone, will soon remember. Three knocks reverberate. They're here. Welcome.

Book

🍺 mrrobinhood5

Feb 22 · 3 months ago