(this is a dream)
[THIS IS A DREAM] He actually looks surprised to hear me say that. Leo: I'm sorry, but I think you're just a memory of him. In my head. Leo: Saying what I wish he'd say. Leo: Being how I wish he'd be. He leans over the bar towards me, smiling...
(i think i've had enough for now)
[I THINK I'VE HAD ENOUGH FOR NOW] Leo: I'd really rather just... talk. To you. He's smiling, but if I squint I can see the blank expression through the smile. Chase: Allright Leo. Leo: Chase, I still love you. Leo: I can't imagine anything hurting...
(my head...)
[MY HEAD...] Leo: Chase, did something happen to you? Chase: What do you mean? My head is pounding. Leo: Please... just, reassure me. Tell me that you... being here... doesn't mean you're... dead. Chase: Leo. Chase: I promise, me being here...
(something... spicy)
[SOMETHING... SPICY] He gives me a look that makes my ears burn and my pants feel a couple sizes too small as he pours something crystal clear. Gold and bright red speckles swirl in it before settling to the bottom. Leo: And where's this one taking...
(something light?)
[SOMETHING LIGHT] He sets something amber and fizzy in front of me. I pick it up. Leo: Smells like... ginger ale? Chase: Like you said, it's light. Let's see where this one takes me, then. There's a picnic table laid out in Chase's parents' yard....
(i need a breath)
[I NEED A BREATH] My head is reeling. I don't feel drunk. But I also don't feel sober. My head is swimming. Chase's expression is flickering, like the shadows cast by a campfire, between enigmatic and angry and frightened and just......
(something bitter)
[SOMETHING BITTER] Chase: You sure? Leo: Yeah. Clean all the sugar outta my mouth. He gives me a look, like he's not sure this is a good idea, but he pours. I was expecting it to be black, but it's bright blue-green, like river water, in...
(something hot)
[SOMETHING HOT] He smirks at me. Chase: Hm, well, I'll have to see if I remember what you like... let's see, sweaty blowjobs, lying on top of poor defenseless otters like you're trying to squeeze them flat, and snuggling so long after you finish that...
(something strong)
[SOMETHING STRONG] Leo: You got something like that first one, but stronger? He grins. Chase: I think I know what you need. The drink he pours is thick, almost syrupy. It's a rich dark chocolate color. It smells somewhere between beer and coffee...
(how about you start me with something light and sweet)
[HOW ABOUT YOU START ME WITH SOMETHING LIGHT AND SWEET?] Chase: I know just the thing. He fills the glass. I don't see a label on the bottle. The liquid is the color of the sunrise on the mountains, and it smells like a citrus popsicle. Tastes like...
Echo: El Primero de los Misterios Dolorosos
I'm driving down the highway. I don't know exactly where I am, but everything seems familiar. The smell of rock dust and sagebrush, the landscape, the traces of sunset at the edge of the sky even late at night. Wherever I am, I'm not far from home. I...
(continue down the road)
The highway only goes one place, it turns out. It dead ends at a low building with a gravel parking lot. There's a cloud of moths around a light over the door, but that's the only sign of life. The windows are painted over. There's a truck and a van...