In a rural town, Graham lives his life as peacefully as possible. With only his dog by his side, he doesn't want, nor expect anything to change. That is, until the house across the street from him is sold to a strange man from the city.
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Spencer Cypress
The fireworks lit up the sky beautifully. The sound was loud, and I had prepared by offering ear plugs to people who wanted them. While I've never been a true fan of this day, being in the countryside alongside folks who do love it is a different experience.
Halfway through the show, I began to worry about Graham. I assumed he had gone to check up on Juniper or go to the bathroom. But he had been gone for a long time.
I stood up from my chair and passed through the crowd. Before entering the house, I came across Harry Fraxinus, who I had met at the bar a while back.
"Hey, Spencer! Great party!" He called out. He had a slight slur in his tone.
"Uh, thanks." I replied. He grabbed my wrist and brought me closer to him.
"You probably suck some good dick, right?" Harry asked me. I could smell the alcohol in his breath. I placed my hand on his chest and lightly pushed him away.
"I'm gay, not desperate. And besides, I'm dating someone." I told him. I tugged my arm away. Luckily, everyone was distracted by the fireworks to notice.
I left him there and entered the house. Despite the booms of the fireworks, the house felt silent. I looked all over the first floor but found no one. Then I checked upstairs, scanning every empty room. The only one left was my bedroom.
"Graham? Juniper?" I called out. My room was empty. The one thing I noticed was off was the bathroom door being closed. I was sure I had left it open.
Stepping up to the door, I opened it slowly. In the bathtub was Graham clutching onto Juniper. He had his head down onto the dog's fur. Juniper looked over to me and began to wag his tag.
"Graham! Are you okay?" I approached and kneeled next to the bathtub. I placed my hands on Graham's shoulder and began to shake him.
He was shivering. His knuckles were white from how hard he was grabbing his own shirt. I began to grow worried that something terribly wrong had happened to him.
"I'll call 911! Just hang on, Graham!" I said. I pulled out my phone. Before I could begin typing the emergency number, Graham grabbed my phone and made me drop it.
"Spencer..." He muttered. He was finally looking at me. Graham's teary eyes were red. This was my first time seeing him like this.
"Oh, Graham! What's wrong? Tell me." I said.
Graham grabbed my face and brought me in for a kiss. His kisses were harsh. I could feel his nails start to dig into my skin on my cheek. And he bit my tongue multiple times. I tasted his tears during our kiss.
