Breathe.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Regular. Even. But there's a raspy echo.

Sitting next to me is an awful creature. Emaciated, lipless, his lidless eyes staring at me from my peripheral vision. Gathering my strength, I turn my head to look right at the naked, bony body. Protruding ribs expanding and contracting in a deep even rhythm.

My raspy breath catches, I grit my teeth and while salty shame leeks from my eyes, and I mutter, "I hate you."

The creature cocks its head. Wispy tangled hair gently sliding to the side and I can feel the imperfect warmth from the empty nasal cavities. Teeth perpetually bared and clenched defiant towards all protests.

"You're useless, disgusting, and I can not tolerate your ghastly presence any longer."

Deep, regular breaths.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

I lick my dry lips. I try desperately to steady my breath. My hand comes up in front of my body.

"Go away."

Deep, regular breaths.

In.

Out.

"Leave me alone."

Deep, regular breaths.

In.

Out.

My eyes clench tight as I outstretch my arm. "I said, 'Leave!'"

My hand encounters a warm, sickly wet, and I recoil in disgust.

Through instinct I wipe my hand on my chest but the filthy disease seams to instantly spread across my body. I scramble on top of the chair as if somehow that would stop the progressing plague.

I look directly at the creature. Still perpetually staring whith toothy menace. Deep, regular breaths. In and out. In and out. And my hate turned disgust turned pleading, pools into contemptuous fury.

My hip flexor twitches before full on contracting as my leg explodes out from the rest of my body. Shin bone wheeling in the air like a claymore.

The creature bursts from the collision and the room catches sickly splatter.

My lips curl back to bared teeth and I consciously force deep, regular breaths.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

I leave the room hoping that the next time I return, the creature won't be waiting.