Flash fiction, Josh Dale

All right, here it goes

Alright, here goes. You’re not doing this for the LOLs anymore. You’ve seen how they do it in the movies, the specific cuts, and gory effects. It’s a lot different than that. Now it is time for you to make the choice. It’s a lot colder here than you think. And I know it’s scary, and you got that itch, and you want to scratch it raw and bleeding, and you know that’s not great for anyone, especially those who find you first. Instead, we’re going to try this. Think of all of the other moments that are simultaneously happening. Retreat into your mind palace, your hurt locker, whatever the fuck you wanna call it. At this point, it’s a lot of static and a little cancerous in spots. Think about those good ones, yeah, like all the times you navigated through life’s unexpected and devastating traumas. But also, all of the high points, the limelight, the fluttering euphoria in your chest. The last time you felt more like a furnace than a corpse. That’s right—no, don’t go backward. No more negativity! This is supposed to be a positive reinforcement exercise. You need to fantasize about putting a tourniquet around that bleeding heart. Ok, practice now, just leave it be—that’s it, good. Remember, you’re not scratching it, and it’s gonna get a lot cooler than you imagine. Continue being that way—you’re doing yourself a massive favor. You learned over time that scabs are a sign of healing unless interrupted prematurely. Your whole life has been a scab healing. It’s alright. It will fall off, and the pink raw flesh below will be sensitive at first. You can’t be afraid of scarring—it builds character. See? You don’t even feel itchy anymore! Go ahead, take that breath you’ve been holding in all this time. Your future self has earned this moment and all the ones that come after. Now, close your eyes and rest. You’re doing this for the Zzz’s now. You’ll awaken a rejuvenated, scabless person. Agree? Alright, here goes.