The Voice I Left on a Shoulder

Airnote  ·  Ruvina  ·  Sep 20, 2025

When the arms came around me, my body stiffened a little.
But when I rested my forehead against Yu's shoulder —
the it was hard that had been caught in my throat for so long
finally became sound.

The mark of an addict. Days spent believing I had no right to complain.
When Yu said I want to record this —
I realized: not the dreams. Me.
Someone was going to observe me.

I laughed and said it might be heavier than any dream.
And leaning into that warmth on the shoulder,
I was saved a little.