Number 200

I drop the glass, try to clear my throat as it shatters on the ground. I cough and struggle to get air and then my throat seals shut.

I look over at Miles and he’s still barking at me, motioning with his arms, but I’ve gone completely deaf and can’t hear him. He bolts up from his chair and comes at me. I put my arms up to protect my face, but instead of hitting me he grabs me by the shoulders and spins me around. I try to fight him off but he’s way too strong. He moves in behind me, grabs me just below the rib cage and starts pulling inwards and upwards over and over and over… My vision narrows and I start to lose consciousness. My life does not flash before my eyes, just this feeling that I’m old and tired and more than ready to take the big dirt nap, hang out with my mom again.

The piece of lemon shoots out of my mouth. It flies through the air and blocks out the sun before landing in the deep end of the pool. I drop to my knees on the warm concrete, gasping for air while my baby brother stands above me shaking and sobbing.