Dark Matter

Pushing

Akiko pushed theirself to try to get another step each day and night. Each time they ended up on the ground or collapsed against the closest object. Their friends began to worry that one day they would push too hard or not be able to get back up when they're not there. "Akiko, take a break. Eat some food." Brittany tried to convince Akiko to stop, but they just lifted theirself up and tried to move their legs until they could be supported by them. Akiko's friend that was on the shift now walked into the room and when she saw them, she set the cup she was holding and ran over to them. "Akiko. You should tell us when you are going to try to walk." She lifted them up and set them back in their chair. Akiko sighed. "I thought that I was getting better." "You are, Akiko. You just haven't fully recovered yet."

It was night now and Logan was sleeping on the couch. Akiko was laying in their bed and staring at the ceiling. They pulled their blanket off and sat down in their chair. Brittany appeared and sat on the bed. "What are you doing, Akiko?" "Nothing." They went to the bathroom and picked up the razor they had hidden in there. "Akiko?" Brittany asked. Akiko ignored her and began to slice open her arm. They made long, deep cuts down the length of their forearms. "Akiko stop it." Brittany tried to convince Akiko. "I'm tired, B." Akiko continued to cut at their arms until the edges of their vison began to go dark.