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Harry & Me: Chapter 3
Eugene’s Ritual
He brushed the tears away with the back of his hand. The ritual always made him emotional. He hummed and sang while he worked.
“It’s these expressions I never give.”
The unfinished walls absorbed his words. It was hot and dark inside the shed. The air felt like cotton in his mouth. His mind raced with questions and doubts when he got hot.
Did Dad lie to me? I bet mom lost hers some other way.
His mother never talked about her missing finger. His father told him not to ask her. She was self-conscious, he explained. Eugene said he understood. But did he? He had never discussed the ritual with his mother. His father had been emphatic about that. Eugene could talk about it with his heart-light. She was the only one with whom he could discuss it.
Even now, he had his doubts. He remembered his first time. With him, his father, and the girl, the shed felt cramped. He had forgotten her name. He still dreamt about it. Each time, he woke up in a shaking, sweaty mess.
The blue flames swirled. Eugene grew hopeful. This time, the ritual would work. This time, he would win his heart-light.
She’s the one. It’s working. Please, God. Let it work. I’m so tired.
