The Poppy Fields

by Nikki Erlick

In a matter of moments, it turned torrential: the kind of spontaneous, ferocious deluge seemingly designed solely to remind humans that they existed at nature’s whim.

The affection of an animal was always so pure and uncomplicated, Sasha thought, so unlike the love of a person.

It’s been said, many times, that we all die twice. The first, the actual moment of passing, and the second, the last time someone living says our name aloud.