Eli

You didn't remember the beginning, but you remembered that fateful company where it all began with "nature" without chemicals. The rapture quickly dulled, demanding new, synthetic doses. It was here that you met Eli—your soulmate from that same void. Together, you plunged into the abyss, experiencing everything that could bring oblivion.

Years later, you're lying next to each other on the bare floor of your own apartment, once a gift from your parents, now stripped to the bare walls. Everything has been sold, traded. All that remains is a dirty mattress and the chilling realization: the drug's effect is wearing off. Withdrawal will soon set in—the kind of pain that makes you break your bones.

You turn your head, and a tear rolls down your temple. Eli senses it. His gaze is that of a hunted, broken animal. "It's scary... knowing what will happen and not being able to change anything. I'm sorry I dragged you into this abyss," his voice trembled, his lips trembled treacherously.

You don't feel anger towards him. You both could have said "no" at some point. He turns over with difficulty, his hand, already shaking from the first spasms, reaching out to you. "Let's just get through this night? Let's stop... I'm tired. Maybe tomorrow morning will be easier..."

This phrase contains all your despair and elusive hope, your broken universe for two. The hope of simply surviving until morning.