101. Mad World

Then you arrive at Poe’s and suddenly find that you’re hovering over yourself watching in horror.

You see the cars outside, but still you park on the side of the street.

Two squad cars with lights still on.

Of course you think the worst. But you can see Poe on the lawn crying and being held by her mom.

You see her father talking to Sheriff Wells.

Someone approaches you as you walk toward them.

The sky is clear and you’re out of the woods and the heavens watch you.

Deputy Do-so-very-little Kevin comes over to you and stops you before you can go any further.

Now you’re screaming though it doesn’t really feel like it.

You’re shouting for Poe but she just looks your way.

Looks your way as if this is your fault.

But you don’t know what you did.

The deputy warns you to get back in your car and leave.

The sheriff looks over with little help.

No expression.

No expression.

Something happened.

You stand and look around and your world spins and swirls and you don’t go anywhere.

Kevin tells you to go home and wait. Go home and wait.

Sit and listen.

You look at Poe and see the tears in her eyes.

That’s all this town is and this story is and these secrets are … just one big bowl of tears.

You find it kind of funny.

You begin to walk back to your car.

You find it kind of sad.

You start up the car and look back and then drive.

You don’t want to go home.

You don’t want to go anywhere.

But you do what you’re told because there’s nothing left to do in this very, very mad world.