“Please. I’m sorry. Jest lemme have a lil sip. Jest one, I promise, an’ then I’ll be good. I won’ need any more until tomorrow mornin’. I swear it on…” Her mind raced, searching for a meaningful oath. “…I swear it on my mama’s mem’ry.” Everything seemed to stop at once. Her heart stopped beating. Her lungs stopped filling with air. Her blood stopped circulating through her body. Even the forest, which was always in motion, seemed to freeze in place. The wind failed to blow. The leaves refused to rustle. The insects paused in their tireless toils.
Beautiful... And heart-breaking...
