And what of you?

Me?

There’s the Philippe I know

looking at his kid sister

as though she were ridiculous.

I’m going to find these bastards

and flay them open, end to end.

Before I can argue, he’s gone.

I’m left with the task of shepherding

these women, injured, traumatized,

into the mountains.

But

you’ll be safe there.

We aren’t safe now.

Even if the monsters don’t return

the life we knew here

has been drowned in blood.