The villagers all smile the same way. As if someone taught them how.
“We’re not people, Julian. We’re being written.”
— Elijah
I kissed him in the chapel while the priest vanished mid-prayer.
“If we’re just a story, then let’s be the ones who end it.”
— Julian
The moon never moves. I’ve been watching.
His hands were warm when he touched me, but ice-cold when he let go.
“You’re the only real thing they ever gave me.”
— Elijah
I saw myself walking through the orchard today. But I was inside. Watching.
We didn’t scream when we burned the town. We just held hands.
“If the sky has seams, I want to see them split open with you.”
— Elijah
Every mirror shows something a second too late.
“Promise me you won’t forget I was real.”
— Julian
Somewhere in the ash, a clock ticks backward.