The Book of G

by Lily Archer

My mouth falls open, my breath stilling in my chest. “Are those … Why does Charles have tits?”

all the times I took a piss along the road. Charles kept going behind a tree, but I thought it was because he was intimidated, what with having a boy-sized penis and all.

You have to work with your limitations—even if they aren’t fair or if they’re placed on you by someone else.”

“Maybe from the erection that’s trying to impale me.”

“He had a talent. The way that man made me scream.” Widow Valor falls into more sniffles. “I miss him. I miss him so much.”

She glances at me over her shoulder, her eyes sparking in the sunlight. I realize at that moment I’ve never seen a prettier shade of blue.

“Some day soon, you’re going to tell me you want me. And when that time comes, I won’t hold back, Charlie. Not for a single second.”

“I was thinking ‘morally gray’ but you’re more like a midnight abyss.” She mutters something under her breath, ending with the word ‘wicked.’

“By the time we’re through with this trip, you’ll understand there’s no amount of wickedness I wouldn’t do for you.”

“Just tell me what you want, Charlie. Tell me and I’ll burn down heaven and earth to give it to you.”

I didn’t know it was possible to be jealous of a horse, but here I am wondering why Charlie refuses to pet me.

“I love you. Don’t you know that? I don’t think I’ve ever loved anything other than myself. I don’t remember how I used to be, but somehow, I know that’s true. At least it was, until you. I feel like maybe I’d been empty, like whatever life I had before was only a buildup to this. To you and me. I can’t explain it, but I know this is real, this is where I’m meant to be, because it’s where you are. I’d follow you anywhere, Charlie. I’d do anything to keep you safe, to make you happy.”

“Have I told you all the ways I’ve imagined having you?” I ask. She smirks. “No, you’ve never graced my ears with such filth.”

The hideous beast has fallen in love with my beauty,

“That’s my girl.”

Who I was doesn’t matter. It’s who I am now that defines my life, my legacy.

They’re from some far province, just touring the city. The brunette’s got her nose in a book—seems like a good sign.”

Belle! 🥹