A Bloody Mouth and Dripping Eyes

I thought things would be okay when he punched me in the mouth.

Hard.

Like he meant it.

One of those Casius Clay left jabs that you never see coming- snapped off with purpose, with intention.

I had wanted to even things up, to make amends— _ thought I could share the pain

I'd caused him.

I staggered back, shocked, but relieved at the same time—

the bittersweet blood slid to my chin. I watched him watch me—

three feet away, but miles apart.

His fist hurt-

I could tell by the way it hung limp like his sullen shoulders.

Lifeless.

My lip wept as his eyes dripped— both of us waiting for the words.

—Ryan Stetson

HC]

[25]