It trickled down the bathtub drain, burping all the way.

Maybe it's age. Or the seas of alcohol and other things I find to use as life analgesics to wash it all away. But how can I shake it off this fast?

I am bothered, but not cowed. I'm not afraid anymore of pain. My heart chipped and cracked and shook loose like plaster. But now I feel relief. Even freedom.

Am I free? Or am I riding the edge?

I suppose we'll know soon enough.