[he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees it too he sees that—]

Do you… hate me, Kel…?

[Because it’s his fault. Basil’s heart pounds, coursing pitch black through his veins. Only now does it become visible, snaking up and around the collar of his shirt, past his sleeves, around his bones; fast, violent, nothing like the other boy’s slow decay.

[Only Basil’s eyes remain.]

Will you go?