The Words We Keep

I stand for a long time on the living side of the barrier.

Where people without wings stop.

Below, waves heave themselves into the cliff. Impale themselves on the jagged edges.

And shatter.

They smash and crash and call to me.

Lily—

come.

Join us.

Just let go.

I should feel panicked or scared, but I don’t.

I feel calm. A strange peace washes over me.

No more hurt.

No more monsters.

It’s the only way.

The wind whips my hair as I put one leg on the bottom rung of the fence and hoist myself over.

Onto the other side.