The Final Scene

by Steph Nelson

It’s not hope. Brooke knows exactly what hope feels like, and that part of her is dead. There is no hope.

Probably because she’s already cried them all, and now she saves every single one for the dark of night. For when she’s alone, no cameras watching.

It’s not like she hasn’t paid an emotional price for her compliance, though.

The pain, regret, and terror bubble underneath the surface of her heart. They lurk there, raging, as if biding time until they can explode out of her skin.

Favorite stories are full of friends to visit when you have nobody else.