a flicker of flame was all it takes to ignite it all. the first flame was timid and beautiful. the second flame was mystifying and otherworldly. the third flame was bold and daring.

his throat burned and blood spilled out from his wrist, his sharp cry entangled with someone else's horrendous laugh.  tears were mixed with sweat as his shriek resounded into the night's air.  and he woke up.