That long walk home , With someone you once viewed so highly Someone who you could talk with for hours , In an instant Now you can’t even talk to for 2 minutes . Where did the connection go ?

I can feel the breeze a bit too much. It tickles my nose, and then disappears. I don’t want to feel this. I want to feel natural, but with a person almost thirty years older then me standing by my side that isn’t possible. He’s my judge, for my trial that will take place in a few hours. He said that this walk was my last time to explain to him why I stole from him. And if I didn’t get it right by the time we get to my house, then he was 100% sentencing me to 6 months in jail. My words- they were jumbled up like a wad of gum in my throat, choking me. He was staring at me. It was so scary, stressful, and worst of all… AWKWARD! “You know” he said before we left “no one else has ever been given this opportunity. You are lucky.” Honestly, I’d rather be locked up in a cage right now then walking in this freezing weather with this guy I barely know, and this guy who is also judging every step I take. I take a deep breath, but all I can say is “What’s up?” He huffs and shakes his head. No response. Darn it. I try again “Look, dude, I’m sorry, I was stupid. You forgive me?” “Dude!?” He stares at me with wide eyes “Really?! You are the opposite of intelligent.” “Can’t you just say that I’m stupid?” “I don’t believe in such foul language. You’re wasting your time, Mario.” I sigh. What the heck. The streets start to look familiar, which means we’re nearing our house. I don’t know what to do or say. I can’t get the right words out. This is probably one of the worst social situations I’ve ever been in. Okay, I think, What would I say to Him? Then I scratch that thought, because I still hate Him. (Him meaning the guy I stole from. I call him Him because of confidentiality purposes as well as ythe fact that I just don’t like that guy at all.) I stole from him because he stole from me. I had everything until he started playing with my kids, and my wife as well. Then it went too far. However, he felt bad and disappeared. My wife and I are forever different now though, he changed everything. Now I can barely sleep in my bed, knowing someone else was in there. We walk, in silence, and the more I think about this, and the more I feel the breeze tickle my nose, the less I want to be here. The less I want to go home. I’d rather be anywhere else right now. Maybe jail isn’t paradise, but it is anywhere else. I turn around and face the judge. I say fiercely, “I don’t want to go to jail, but I feel like I deserve to be locked up after what I’ve done. I didn’t deserve this chance because I have nothing good to say. That’s why I didn’t use it. I deserve to be locked up in a cage, isolated from everyone, with only me and my thoughts. I need this. I promise it will help me.” That’s how I got proven innocent. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

In the world of emotions, they live as one, A couple, like the moon and the morning sun.

She's super-sensitive, feelings right at her door, Gets mad real quick, and sometimes even more.

Her heart's a wild mix of colors, so vivid and loud, His heart's sweet and stormy, like a crazy, fun crowd.

When he gets all fired up, and the sparks fly, In their love, they reach for the sky.

Her sensitivity's her secret charm, In their love, they find a cozy farm.

In the world of emotions, they're second to none, A couple, like the moon and the morning sun.

I am writing to exhaust myself To tire my words So I’ll lose desire to speak aloud And my life will be undisturbed

And people think I talk a lot But people would be wrong When you really think about it, I rarely really talk.

You’d know that, though. I spare my words for you alone. But you are not here, friend We aren’t together, I’m just upset

As Emily walked along the bustling street, she found herself accompanied by a man named Daniel, who she had always found difficult to talk to. The atmosphere between them was thick with awkwardness, as if an invisible barrier separated them.

Emily, a vibrant and outgoing woman, was adorned in a colorful sundress that swayed with each step. Her laughter echoed through the air, drawing the attention of passersby. On the other hand, Daniel, a reserved and introverted man, was dressed in a plain suit, his posture rigid and his eyes fixed on the ground.

Their differences were evident in every aspect. Emily’s voice was filled with enthusiasm and animated gestures, while Daniel’s replies were short and monotone. She spoke of her dreams and aspirations, sharing stories of adventure and excitement, while he listened intently, his face a mask of polite interest.

As they walked, Emily couldn’t help but notice the contrasting reactions of those around them. People turned their heads, intrigued by the vivacious woman and the stoic man by her side. Some smiled at Emily’s infectious energy, while others cast confused glances at the mismatched pair.

The silence between them grew more pronounced with each passing minute. Emily tried to bridge the gap, peppering Daniel with questions and anecdotes, but his responses remained guarded and reserved. It was as if they were speaking different languages, unable to find common ground.

The tension between them felt palpable, like an invisible force pulling them apart. Emily’s attempts to connect were met with awkward pauses and forced smiles, leaving her feeling deflated and discouraged. She wondered why fate had brought them together, and if they would ever find a way to truly understand each other.

But as they continued their walk, something unexpected happened. Emily stumbled upon a stray cat, injured and frightened. Without hesitation, she knelt down, extending a hand of compassion. Daniel, though initially hesitant, joined her, his rigid exterior momentarily softened.

Together, they worked in harmony, tending to the injured animal. Emily’s nurturing nature and Daniel’s calm demeanor complemented each other perfectly. The barriers that had separated them began to crumble, replaced by a shared purpose and understanding.

In that moment, Emily realized that beneath their surface differences, they were more alike than she had initially thought. They both possessed a deep empathy for those in need, and a willingness to set aside their own discomfort to help others. The awkwardness that had defined their connection slowly transformed into a mutual respect and admiration.

As they walked away from the scene, Emily and Daniel found themselves engaged in a genuine conversation. Their words flowed effortlessly, each sharing their own unique perspectives and experiences. They discovered common interests and passions, surprising themselves with the depth of their connection.

In the end, Emily and Daniel realized that despite their initial differences and the awkwardness that surrounded them, they could work well together. Their contrasting personalities brought balance and perspective to their interactions, creating a dynamic that was greater than the sum of its parts.

And so, as they continued their journey, Emily and Daniel embraced their differences, finding strength in their unlikely partnership. They learned that sometimes, the most rewarding connections can arise from the most awkward beginnings, and that true understanding can be found even in the unlikeliest of companions.

Pockmarked walls dint pockmarked faces of our young. Nobody is talking. Nobody wants to.

They sit beside eachother for an hour, but don’t utter a word. Doesn’t the caged sing?

The girl with the full ponytail and jutted jaw wiped her hands over her laddered tights, quelling the sweat and swear words. The boy spreads his legs wider as he sinks further into the plastic chair and it creaks with the strain.

They liked eachother once. Till nattered mudslingings dipped a thumb into the skull of the soft growing brain of students. “Yes Miss” and “No Miss” don’t teach you how to speak up for yourself, so everybody stays quiet till they white their knuckles.

He’s looking at her. He reaches a intrepid finger up to her shoulder, he goes to tap it.

“Miss Greenwood.” The head teacher calls the girl into the office. She picks up her bag and the boy’s finger falls.

Muffled laughter filled the air around us, as if we were trapped in a prison of our own. Posters on the wall were suddenly the most intriguing thing we’ve both ever seen as we both fell deeper into the shallow end of the growing tension. The group project was now long forgotten as the nerves grew and loud voices infiltrated my mind.

The once towering brick walls that stood tall with my confidence, have now been left crumbled. All because of a past I wish to forget. All the progress I thought I had made perished in just a few seconds as the feelings buried deep down pushed itself back to the surface.

(Elise pov)

“Some things should be left behind way way behind we’re they can’t hurt anyone.” Cal said. I knew I’ve seen Cal before but when? what was he doing? Is that how he knew who I was? Millions of questions flooded my mind. I won’t ask I’ll see if he tells us himself. “I’ll go to the market you should have more than just canned food in here.” I said. Walking away from the cave. I sighed, and smiled as I walked along the small path in the woods towards town a man walked up to me and blocked my path. He was covered head to toe in tattoos and had and axe hanging from his belt. “Have you seen this boy?” The man asked in his deep sinister tone. I looked at the peace of parchment he was holding and gasped the image was blurry but it was an unmistakable image of Cal. “Seems to me you have.” A toothy grin spread across his face. “Your going to tell me were he is or else.” I knew I should of told him but my heart ached at the idea of Cal being takin by this man who was clearly not a good guy. “Okay I’ll show you were he is.” I answered. I needed a plan and fast. I couldn’t lead him to the cave and I couldn’t trick him. I don’t want to find out what the “or else” is but I don’t have a choice. I gestured to him to follow me and walked along the path sticking my hand in my pant pocket gripping my cold stone and tracing the carving. I’m sorry mom I thought but I have to do this.

It's half an hour's walk to Henry and Amelia's flat. You wanted an Uber but she wants to walk. The breeze is cool, a quiet night and quieter still with her silence. You try and keep rhythm with her steps. She notices things out of place. It draws her attention. If, god help you, you hesitate where she walks on, or walk on whilst she waits, then you are an impotent coward or a witless fool

At Henry and Amelia's there will be the usual chat and wine. But you will take care not to get drunk because each word you say will be examined. The tone and shift of every syllable. Meaning drawn from them, torn from them, and fashioned into weapons of war. When she has you away from the world again

You look at her without looking. You don't want to look at her because she probably won't do or say anything, but she might. A look can ignite a stream of violence that will last until she tires of it. So you look without looking. The strong cheekbones and full lips, the bright eyes and graceful neck. Her face has so much life, it is no wonder you fell in love

Such a pity she is a monster

"Why did you say that?", she would ask. Not why you thought her a monster. You made a throwaway remark about a colleague or a film or something you had bought. And instead you find yourself in a war-zone.

"Don't say that about Kathy, she's a good colleague, you're completely out of order, you are a crass idiot. Sort. Yourself. Out."

It's no use protesting or trying to reason. She enjoys this and you...

You are being surgically separated from your soul

Just before your birthday, you spoke about going out for a meal. If the Thai on Rockingham would be better than the Italian down by the Town Hall. And at the restaurant, you had chosen the Italian, after you had a glass of wine and enjoyed the starter of olives and bread, she says

"Why did you say that?"

You say "say what?" and you are smiling because her serious face must be a play. She likes playing and you liked that about her. That confidence. That strength. And she says "you said the waiters at the Thai restaurant are over attentive. They are not over-attentive, they are being polite. It's good service."

You make some weak argument but she is picking at another sentence and another. It is as if she recorded your every word and one by one they are being dismembered. Her soft voice worrying at them, shaking them till whatever meaning she chooses falls out

If the waiters heard her call you a 'fucking witless fool' then they didn't comment. They didn't come as you looked round desperately for help, or help when the world seemed to be falling and falling. You don't know why you didn't leave then. Or the next time she did it. Or the next.

Slowly you stop talking unless it is something she wants to hear. Agreement. Compliments. Subservience. And because every word you say is on record. Because word stored for the next time. Mostly you give her silence

"How do I look?", she turns to you. The lights of the flats reflecting in her eyes. And then...

"Beautiful, you are very beautiful". You mean it. She is. What an honour to be the favourite of a beautiful monster. What use are words compared to that? What use a soul? Tonight you will do well. Tonight you will do better. And you lead her up to the dinner party

I’m not usually up right now, But I guess I am today. I had a hard time sleeping last night, and so I was half awake when Sam knocked on my window. It was dark then, but now the horizon has cracked open with new light. She had been embarrassed, but I don’t know why. I followed her out here but she won’t tell me where we’re going.The air feels sharp on the patches of skin that aren’t covered by my pajamas, but there’s still a little wisp of warmth left from my bed. Sam’s body is warm too as we walk. “Where are we going?” I ask, as she stares down at the pavement in front of her. “Um…” She whispers. I sigh. “That’s not an answer! You have to tell me!” Sometimes I can’t stand how hard she is to decipher. Next to me her face turns red and I’m instantly guilty. Why can’t you just say what your thinking? I try to force this thought into her head so I don’t say it out loud and feel mean again. It’s probably a good idea to change the subject. “What came first the chicken or the egg?” She doesn’t answer. How am I supposed to talk to someone who doesn’t even try to talk to me? I groan. “Well?” I say a bit sharply “what do you think” Her eyes focus on mine. “I don’t know if every question needs to be answered” I hide my annoyance and we walk on, the silence crawling up my back. (The answer is the egg) But then I realize we are in the park, and I hadn’t even noticed. A statue of a Lady on a bike perches on a stone tablet, and Sam walks up to it and mimics the posh expression. I laugh off a bit of my tension, and when we are walking again I try one more question. “Why are you always quiet? It seems like I can never have a real conversation with you, because you just—don’t talk” “I talk” I roll my eyes. She turns me around towards her. “No. Really. I do… I’m just not that good at- words. Here.” She gestures toward a bench and we sit. We watch silently. I fidget and I am about to get up and leave, but the I notice the sunrise. The light fills my eyes as the liquid gold pours over us. She smiles and gently pulls her fingers through my hair. And we listen to the world together.