there are cracks in my bones and teethmarks on my skin from all the times we have gnawed at each other, broken each other down. bit by bit. inch by inch. a little snap here, a larger break there... and sinews unfurling hidden pain so deep that neither of us could sense it - until you called me out. i wanted to hug you but we hurled insults at one another from opposing sides of the continent instead. and so, when i reached out my hand to touch your face and cool the blazing fire between your cheeks, you were far too far to have any idea that that's what i was trying to do.