the boy sits hunched over a piece of paper, scribbling words. a buzz distracts him, and the light of his phone shows him the time is 9:27. a message from a friend, who is dating another friend, and they're both so nervously in love.

the boy knows what they feel, even though it's been a long time since he felt the same. so he types back, reminding the friend of their worth and that everything will go well. it can't go wrong. he won't let it.

the boy is scribbling again, trying desperately to stay concentrated on the words. another buzz, the friend thanking him for his words. and then another buzz, from the girl he wants to love more than anything in the world.

the boy sighs as he tries not to think about love. he should be happy, content, even. he should be thankful for what he's been given. and yet all he wants is something different.

the boy turns off the phone. no more distractions. his life is ahead of him, and he's waited long enough consoling others and easing them out of the nest. it's his spot in line up next.

and with that, the boy spreads his wings and soars, unsure of whether he'll know how to land, but feeling the wind ruffle through his hair and thinking to himself that this is the love he wants.

the boy asked for this. he prayed to a long forgotten deity from his ancestors' time, one who was fading from view as the clock ticked ever slowly. even one believer is enough for the old gods, especially when the sacrifice means so much.