a single, clear droplet runs down along her cheek. past her broken mascara and through her ruined hair. mixing with sweat and warmed by the fire within. when it reaches her chin it is searing into her face. through the insecurity and lust and need it burns its mark.

swaying here and there as the body contorts and distorts, as the hips lead the entirety by one delayed beat after the next. an empty room full of heat and desire.

the pains of first love fresh upon her. his face a schiele portrait , his eyes clear as crystal, shining. his body one muscle, united by purpose.

she sees all of this, she plays and replays it over and over again in her mind and then

she feels another drop run down her cheek and then another and another and another. faster and faster they fall until she realizes that it was all a dream and that she is standing awkwardly alone in the rain. the hot summer rain.

It was all only ever an illusion, played and replayed in the weakest parts of her brain.