Arrows Through Archer

by Nash Summers

My father always used to tell me that I was like an onion made of glass. You couldn’t peel away my layers; you had to chisel them away, slowly, carefully.

“So where are the hordes of wild beaver I was promised?” Danny clicked his tongue. “Don’t be impatient, they’ll show up. They’re probably waiting for the moose to come out of the woods first and do a dance in your honor.” “They’ll be something to see.” “You should see ’em on Canada Day. They’re all synchronized in their dance moves, and they wear little Canadian flags as capes.”

“I don’t remember the last time I felt so small.” “Ah, we’re all small, Ace. Just a snowflake in a forest.”

“Maybe I’ll see if he and I can communicate through telepathy.” Danny spun on the top stair, looked at me deadpan, and said, “You’d need a brain for that, Ace. Don’t think you have the right materials.”

“You’re like a brother to me, Archer. You’re not perfect, but no one is. And if I met a billion people on this planet, I’d still choose you. You and your silent fucking depression—you and your quiet heart and your fear of living.

People fall into each other in different ways. Some people fall together in laughter, surrounded by energy and joy. Some fall into each other in passion, unable to keep their skin from touching. But Mallory and I fell into each other slowly, gently, tentatively, like almost everything we did. We were quiet and fluid.

“We can’t keep loving ghosts, Mallory.” And for the last time, his eyes met mine. “It’s not that easy, Archer.” “Well, I guess we’re both about to find out if it’s any easier loving one more.”

Running my hand down his back, I admitted, “I wish you were mine. I wish no one touched you like this but me. I wish no one fucked you but me.” “No one does. No one but you.”

Archer put the piece back in the box and closed the lid before fully turning toward me. “I don’t know what to say.” “Say you like it.” “I do. I love it. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. Or anything that I knew was made… just for me.” “I know exactly how you feel.”

“How can you not know I love you, Archer? I’ve dreamt of you every night that you weren’t by my side. I can’t imagine someone knowing you like I have and not loving you.”

“I feel so light. Like maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” “There is.” I kissed the top of his head. “And if there isn’t, I’ll dig a way out for us. Because I’ll be wherever you are. Now and forever.”