The rain slammed into the metal roof of the building we sat within. The sounds echoing in our head, louder than our words, louder than our thoughts. She began to sing a song of which I’d never heard before. I wished to understand what she was saying, but my words did not reach her. The language she spoke was familiar, but it was of nothing I could comprehend.

I laid down and took in the sounds of the rain, the metal, the soothing voice. I took in the smells of the hay, the wood, the soft flowery scent–

I let out the memories as the cotton clouds let down the torrential downpours. My sight, too, became clouded.

I was in the dark.

I loved all but myself.

I gave happiness from a hollow shell.

I am broken.