* I wrote this for Cait because she is awesomeness personified.

She descended the spiral staircase

that was within her mind.

Gradually, as she

went

down

each

step,

the light became filled with shadows

and the air became cold.

At the bottom of the staircase,

her feet touched a dirt floor.

She could smell growth and decay.

Taking a step,

she looked around her

and saw only the darkness of trees.

They stretched so high up

that she could not see their branches.

She could hear them whispering.

As she walked on,

the shadows became darker

and filled with smoke.

She could hear the tree branches whisper.

As they spoke,

the words sent shivers along her skin:

“There will be no one else to love you.”

“Don’t you realise that you are alone already?”

“Who would ever love a freak like you?”

“All anyone sees when they look at you…