I've Lost Count of the Homes That I Have Lost
I've lost count of the homes that I have lost. One time too many I've been driven out. On futile search my substance to exhaust, In barren soil to sow my crop of doubt. I am no longer young. My years have worn Onto the age I ought to put down...
(yes)
[YES] His face vanishes. It's done. I may not know what that was, or what it wants him for. But If it's trying to get him through me, then it really has to be over, Leo. Having any way to contact him is dangerous. Who knows what it could make me...
(delete him)
[DELETE HIM] I look at his face in the contacts for a long time. I think about all the times I told myself I'd sacrifice anything to have him back. Looks like I finally found the one thing I won't sacrifice. Him. DELETE CONTACT? [NO!] [YES] ...
(message him)
[MESSAGE HIM] Hey Been a while Listen, I know we said dont get in touch but something came up You know what you have to do. Ran into a couple guys that came into town. Apparently they heard about... All the stuff that went down They want to...
(you're... someone else)
[YOU'RE... SOMEONE ELSE] Chase: How can I... be someone else, whatever that means, if it's your dream? Leo: Bullshit. Leo: I may not know what this is, but I know it isn't a dream. He looks upset. Leo: I don't know who, or what, you are. I don't...
(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...