Dead Air (Remastered)

[Instrumental Intro] (piano alone, sparse, exposed — violin enters thin and tense) [Verse 1] The pause lasts Longer than it should. I feel myself Start managing it. I keep my tone level. I keep my face still. I stay in place For your comfort. Every second Costs a little more. I stay careful Anyway. [Pre-Refrain] I hold it. I hold it. [Refrain] Dead air Between us. The space tightens While I don’t move. Dead air Hanging open. I stay composed Too long. [Instrumental] (violin sustains, piano repeats with slight tension) [Verse 2] My jaw aches From staying closed. Breath stays shallow To stay quiet. I track your posture. I track the room. I keep adjusting Without changing anything. This isn’t calm. It’s control. And it’s starting To hurt. [Pre-Refrain] I feel it strain. I don’t stop. [Refrain – heavier] Dead air Settled in. The silence presses From all sides. Dead air No release. The moment leans Against me. [Bridge] Hold it. Just hold it. Pressure behind my eyes. Chest too full. Jaw set hard. Hold it. Don’t let it spill. [Instrumental] (piano falters slightly, violin wavers) [Final Refrain] Dead air Still unbroken. I can’t keep this In place. Dead air On my tongue. If this doesn’t break, I will. [Outro] The pause cracks. I’m still holding. The storm is next.