He'd let himself into their apartments …

"On that last day, I had written a poem," he said quietly …

"That vegan guy, Erlinger, is a brilliant young man … “

She beamed at him, fortified …

"Dear Mr Winter," the card said, "I am in your debt … “

"It's how they get you," the old wives said …

Abigail wished upon the stars …

"You're a climber," Devon said …

Their tiny sun would falter in a cyclone of collapse …

He'd cross the line eventually …

"Preserve not just the way of life, but life of any kind … “

The room settled quickly from cheers to silence …

"Could you ... would you," Brian started (shutting his eyes against the sound) …

"How was the ... what do you call it? The reading?" he asked …

"Yeah, and I don't do social media - never have … “

"You'll be on research for the foreseeable future … “

"WOAH, jeeeeeeeeez," the first alien said …

"Hello," Death said, stepping out from the drapes …

"Nope," he whispered …