I’m sweaty. Sticky. The black void stares back at me. Taunting me. Tempting me. I feel so drawn to it as if it’s physically pulling me towards it. My entire life I’ve craved the adventures the characters in my books and video games go on. I wanted an otherworldly experience. An otherworldly life. But as I stand here directly in front of this darkness I’m shaking. There’s a pit in my stomach and I feel at any moment I could lose my lunch. All of the courage I always assumed I’d have in these moments is nowhere to be found. Maybe I don’t have to do this. Maybe I can turn around and go home and forget I ever found this door or portal or whatever it is.

And then suddenly and without warning the choice is stripped from me as a force shoves me forward from behind, plummeting me into darkness.

Our hands are dirty covered in Georgia clay Not an adult in sight by this creek Sunkissed skin we’ve played all of our worries away It’ll be homework and yearning for recess next week Will we still be bonded like we are now? Surely this friendship goes beyond a summer fling This incites laughter as we exclaim “no way no how” But is this to be promised with words? A ring? Expression of mischief as you reach to your pocket The dull knife breaks the skin on your hand Palm up to me “this is forever, no souvenir locket” There’s pain but it’s temporary not like us, our brand Reminiscing how badly we wanted it to be true When this scar reminds me of how much I miss you