Unwanted
Graphene is a carbon compound that is extremely thin—the smallest layer that can be made with it is the width of just a single atom—yet has more than 100 times the tensile strength of steel. It is also incredibly fragile; the smallest disturbance can cause it to break. And unlike steel, graphene can’t be “healed” […]
The Never-Ending Nightmare
It was October. Days started out with a chill, the previous day’s heat having snaked away overnight. Dew-stained ground and the sharp scent of rural air assaulted my nose as I slowly made my way through the field beside my house. Two dogs wandered purposefully ahead of me, straining at their leashes, noses buried in […]
My love affair with books
Six days after my eleventh birthday, I was shuffled into a van by a social worker for the state of New York and brought to what would be my home for the next two years, one month, and eleven days. Located in (relatively) upstate NY, Mount Pleasant Cottage School is a residential treatment center that […]
More than a noun
What do you do?What do you mean? I do a lot of things.Yeah but when you introduce yourself to someone you say, “Hi, I…”“Hi, I like to write.”Oh cool you’re a writer?Sometimes.Well what about the rest of the time?I dunno, I like to read a lot too. Ok but what’s your job?Like, what do I […]
A typical morning
“BRRIIIIIIIIIIIIINGGGG. BRRIIIIIIIIIIIING. BRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIING.” The shrill scream blaring from the speaker on Sophia’s phone jolts her to consciousness. Always the same sound, always the same reaction. Gasping for breath from the sheer dump of adrenaline that always accompanies the experience of being screamed awake, she reaches blindly to her side and grasps the phone. She squeezes […]
Precipice
Wearily trudging up the last flight of stairs to the top floor, I lean against the wall beside the door, hurriedly wiping my tears so my roommate won’t see them. After taking a deep, shuddering breath, I unlock the door and step inside. I barely glance at him as my make my way to the […]
Dear Johnnie
At the time of this writing, I was 98 days sober. The week prior my therapist encouraged me to write a goodbye letter to alcohol. I was encouraged to write like alcohol was a person. I ended up writing to Johnnie Walker, because red label was my drink of choice. It ended up coming out […]