Redlined

Redlined eyes captured the reflection of a weary Mexican woman in the mottled mirror. Still strong. Still beautiful. You can do this, she said. A longshot is still a shot. She had to try. Steal a ship and exit the nightmare. Find some patch of earth that isn't dead. It has to be out there.

A former experiment of curiosity and love. Taste of cinnamon and vanilla icing. Silken skin softer than her own. Open hearts as naked as their bodies. Her best friend. I miss you, she thought. No time to dwell on good memories.