an innocent question invokes an affliction of sprawling, adverse emotions. for all of her strength and iron will, matters of the heart and mind will always prove to be a vulnerability. expression gives not a single glimpse of negativity. that deafening silence, however, is an admittance of a profound upset. upstate doesn’t sound all too bad      to drift away from the bustling crowds of onlookers and fanatics to become grounded in something real. the sensation of isolation amid a city packed with life is far worse than genuine solitude. laughter echoes like goading taunts along happiness which contrasts to her lack thereof. every reminder of the life she’s missing stings like a serrated blade, running along fragile skin. 

      it’s this time of year which emphasis family and love that leaves her jaded. 

            “ upstate sounds nice. i love the mountains. ”