Tearstains map her crumpled sheets, Silent screams where shadows meet. "Why am I the broken toy?" Echoes in this empty void. Fists clutch fabric, damp and cold, Sleep claims her in sorrow's hold. Hush now, love, let storms subside, My arms will be your sheltering tide. Hand in mine, we'll face the night, Your battles forged in my delight. Lean your weight against this wall, I'll catch each fragment as you fall. Hunched shoulders navigate the maze, Snake-hiss giggles, piercing gazes. "Freakshow!" ricochets off lockers, Stumbling, knees meet linoleum shock. Razor laughter carves her skin, Alone again when the herd moves in. Hush now, love, let storms subside, My arms will be your sheltering tide. Hand in mine, we'll face the night, Your battles forged in my delight. Lean your weight against this wall, I'll catch each fragment as you fall. Gravel bites her trembling palm, Footsteps halt the fleeing calm. "Look up," velvet words implore, A stranger's shadow blocks the door. Warmth seeps through her threadbare shirt, Confusion melts in shared hurt. Hush now, love, let storms subside, My arms will be your sheltering tide! Hand in mine, we'll face the night, Your battles forged in my delight! Lean your weight against this wall, I'll catch each fragment as you fall! "Why choose me?" Her voice cracks raw, Fingertips trace his stubbled jaw. Lips meet questions left unspoken, Years of ice begin thawing, broken. Salt and hope mix on their tongues, Two damaged hearts rewrite their song. Sunrise paints her laughing eyes, Fingers tangled, truth disguised. His thumb wipes one last crystal streak - Not sorrow's ghost, but future's peak.
