Flashing light. She stopped. Stared.

Son, every cough is ominous.

He sinks and doesn't surface.

Ingredients: skin, bones, a smile.

Shorter and prouder he grew.

Broken fingernail kept in locket.

Her dreams continued without her.

"What's your sign?" 

"No entry."

Smashed phone. Half-empty bottle.

Lie back and tense up.

Feed kids. Mow lawn. Repeat.

Dead goldfish staring at me.

"Hungry?"

"I just ate."

"Oh."

Accident. Broken arm. Bitter forever.

The rattlesnakes entertained the children.

Clown school? That's life, darling.

He slept beside the engine. 

Pills before her. Nothing behind.

The fog took him gently.

"We're lost?"  

"The map lied."

Old songs made her weep.

Saturday caught him by surprise. 

Broken-legged, the horse finished.

He was shy. She wasn't.

"What's your favourite colour?" 

"Rainbow."

His conceited smile betrayed him. 

Alone, she removes the decorations.

The magician's hands were shaking.

"What's your name?"

"What's yours?" 

Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Monday. 

She tries to forget him.

Sharks bash against my boat.

"Do you love me?"

"No."