I feel it before anything Not her Just… something shifting Back teeth first Small movements Like they’re testing the space I press my tongue against them Just to check They move No No, stop My mouth opens I didn’t do that She’s here I don’t see her yet But they’re already loosening One by one I feel them give Like they’re letting go on purpose Don’t move If I don’t move maybe it stops My jaw aches Held too wide Something’s pulling from the inside I try to close it I can’t Don’t breathe Don’t react Something warm in the gaps She’s here Closer now I feel her before I understand it One by one They shift Not ripped they just… leave I should fight I know I should don’t Why am I waiting you always do Why does it feel easier when they come loose Why do I you let me don’t close (don’t close) don’t close (keep it open) don’t close (you know you want to) She’s here I’m here I know the pattern now you learned it Back to front like always Slow careful Like she doesn’t want to miss any I don’t miss any I keep still we keep still If I don’t move you won’t …no There it is again Back teeth first Small movements Like we’re testing the space
