I’ve never been so scared in my life. “A first for everything” but I never expected it to be like this. Never. Not even close. It’s... I can’t even describe it. It was supposed to be just a birthday party: dancing, eating, taking photos, singing, just having fun. Just that. Nothing more.

But when they showed up...
everything turned upside down. It felt like a storm was heading our way. No wonder I felt so scared, so suddenly. They were holding lots of it. Lots of it – more than enough for everyone to share, to swallow, to fill our heads and bodies with bane – to gush us with insanity, to consume us. One. By. One.

I withstood. I fought back. I took a deep breath and demanded “NO!” when one of them lifted a cup of no return; no tomorrow in front of me.

Three. Were consumed. They kept feeding and telling them “Come on. One more. Full.” when I turned my back, when I didn’t notice. I realised it was too late.

I tried to help one but he kept yelping and laughing with no awareness; unconscious of what was around. He wanted me to be near him, he wanted a photo. I was reluctant. His face drew nearer to mine and fell on to the couch.

I got up and helped her after. She was out of control. I couldn’t bear it. Everything was happening so fast. I wanted it to stop. Everything. Stop. I yelled. Tears ran down my face. She told me to stop crying. She gave me a hug. I pleaded “Why?” She said she took a half, it wasn’t a lot. “Look at you” with tears in my eyes. “You’re not yourself.” Please. Listen to me. Please stop it.

I wanted them to leave. I wanted all of them to walk away, to take back what they have brought to us, to take back what they started.

I wanted normal. Go away. As far as possible. I want normal to come back. I want them to leave. Turn back time. Leave.


Please.

29.