To Be Tethered

Dale is leaving Lee behind to do what he must; this is their last moment before he goes, full of promises for his return.

“Come here.”

It’s not a hand Lee’s extending but a lifeline, or rather a tether, a reason to stay exactly where he is, dead centre of this room with its walls whispering memories and its floors echoing stories of a life lived here, that Dale won’t get to see again for a long few months.

Dale stumbles where he’s usually certain, raising his fingers unsteadily until his...