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The Chantic Bird

Page 21

by David Ireland


  As I finish this, I’ve stopped the car and got out, adding the last few lines to the story. Right now, nothing matters but living. I’ll just leave the story—my story—on the back seat, I can’t afford to let anyone read it yet. Slipping back over a few pages, what is it? A tale told by nobody. A mouth in the empty air. I wish this swirling pain in my chest would go away. When I take over my town I can’t afford to have anyone see me doubled up like this, sweating like a pig in the cold country air. Trying to get breath into me.

  Don’t forget I’m writing to show you what a silly thing it is to live.

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