Five Total Strangers

by Natalie D. Richards

Her voice is a candy-coated razor.

numbness is a gift. It keeps us moving and helps us to survive the things that feel unsurvivable.

her body. Losing Phoebe taught me that when your world falls to pieces, your brain will not keep you moving. Your brain will shut down to a low static hum. Your heart will tear itself in half and ache until you’re sure you’ll die. Until some part of you wishes you could. It’s your instincts that will keep you alive.

“Because sometimes it is easier to force strength for others than to allow ourselves to feel weak and hurt.”