I don’t need the world Your hand will do just fine Forehead kisses and long hugs goodbye The simple things to show you care I don’t need the world But a little time will be just fine

The computer dinged with the arrival of a new message; ‘Ding—ding!’ the noise seemed to fill the room. Her chest felt heavy, like the weight of the room’s air supply was being cut off. The hair on the back of her neck gave her goosebumps as the computer sang almost rhythmically. ‘Ding—ding ding—ding!’ Her legs felt heavy as she slowly crept towards the screen. A final ‘DING!’ and she sighed; maybe that was it- the pest would give up if she ignored him enough, she thought. She reached for her computer chair and dragged it towards her, the wheels catching on the apartment’s ugly beige carpet. The wheels dug deeper as she crept to the open seat and sat down. The sleeve of her holey grey hoodie caught on her fingers. Trying to distract from the fear gnawing at her, she nibbled on the sleeve to give herself a distraction. The computer screen glowed as she felt her eyes slowly reaching the blinking red box. Her fingers danced with fear as she moved her mouse closer to the taunting box. The number lit up with thirty-seven; how could they continue this? She clicked the box that read the username; to her horror, they were all from him. Her chest tightened; she thought he wouldn’t get tired and give up. She tried to debate whether to open the thread or leave it alone. How many days did this take him? Was she safe? The thread showed the last message sent moments ago, the heading caused her to scream, and the room echoed with her fear, “No!” Ringing through the walls to the patio below her; she threw herself from the chair away from the open window’s gaze in front of her. How long till he got her? Could she be safe here? Ian screamed her name from the living room from downstairs, unaware of the horrors he’d meet above. As he raced up the staircase, he could hear the agony and sheer terror in Melody’s voice; he had to hurry. As she hid in the closet’s space, Melody wailed, “No, no, no!” She cried, her voice becoming painful from the screaming, Ian entered the room, and the horror of the situation was at a head. He saw Melody cowering in the closet, her hands covering her head- rocking herself back and forth as the horror became real. She wasn’t safe anymore. Ian crept toward Melody, but she managed to raise a hand from her head, pointing to the monitor as it taunted her from the desk. “What is it, Mel?” Ian asked, lips quivering as he tried to reach for her hand. He walked towards the screen she pointed at, the horror on his face. He now understood her fears were alive. The words taunted him as his spine ran cold as the terms glistened on the monitor. “Wolfie’s found you, darlin’; I’m coming to save you.” Nobody was safe now, especially Ian.

Your smile feels hollow, are you unsure of me? Can he tell I'm losing the fight, or is he scared I'm already gone? Head on your chest; my safe space feels fake to me now The happiness has gone, along with your smile Ghosts of our former selves You feel like a stranger to me the safe haven is gone along with me Walking the halls, I feel empty I wish it were not so I want to be happy for you I lost myself and my way back home Trails feel gripped with fear; you're searching for a ghost, my love Leave me, go on without me

Screaming till I can't see straight, when does it feel like the end? When do we feel "normal"? Fighting for bliss when we feel empty, last breathe of happiness feeling it slip between my fingers The chaos of seeing you suffer, let me go, so you don't drown too The sea only needs one of us, not you Fighting for you but losing myself I feel the rope tighten, but I can't let go; you scream, "don't leave me!" but I'm already dead A ghost in this shell I will always love you Even in dying just to rest

The words feel empty as I read them "Need to stay positive, be thankful, and smile." The words feel almost fake and less empathetic, ringing on deaf ears How do you stay positive when you feel like you're already saying goodbye? Be thankful when you feel you drowning Smile but feel like crying I wish it were simple; I wish it were someone else. Fake happy motions for others, but I've never felt so alone In a room full of support, I feel like I'm sinking The weight strangles me. Stay positive, be thankful and smile. Even if you feel you are dying, lock it inside for awhile

Walking into the room I see you, in the worst way Cords, wires, devices that beep All of it surrounds you I can't help but cry I wish it was me instead I fear for what's coming He leaves us Just us two Voices say the fears I don't say out loud "She won't make it- don't even bother now" Your green eyes closed until now I see the fear swallow you I reach out for you Hands bruised and worn down Tears rolling from your eyes I wish it was me I kiss your hand, so you know you're not alone "I'm here, you can let go. I've got them, you can let go mom" You look at me with tears The monitors scream Its done The worst moment of my life Tears into me, the darkest corner of my mind I will never forgive myself I don't have this without you, I lied Please come back

Smirnoff ice cold to the touch A front law newly mowed The idiotic idea that the truth would never come Night sky filled with stars You said my smile led them Little did I know, monsters have charm that I never saw I waited with a monster- for you The monster saw my eyes Said it wasn't meant to be I thought you'd slay my monster You weren't ready for that- you didn't know I needed saving He broke me My body, my mind and my trust I thought I deserved this To be raped- I thought it was normal I wish you saved me sooner than later I wish to go back Wishing you to hold me while I cried Wishing I had saved myself that night