LXXXVI | Something Not Mine

❦

Tammie's hair

is damp,
ruffled,
half standing up.

She's smiling her apologetic smile.

Oblivious.

Safe.

I almost collapse
from relief.

I hold her tighter
tonight,

squeezing her hand
every now and then,

just to be sure.

A single high-pitched scream
keeps my eyes open

tonight.

I'll be more tired
tomorrow

than I am right now.

❦

There are three
new patients

when I go downstairs.

I stop

on the stair landing,

forgetting
the abstract eyes
on the wall.

Six nurses

in total.

I feel my heartbeat
in my throat.

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