Carmen’s eyes narrows as she stares at the Figure in the doorway.

“So it’s gonna be liked this,” she says. She knew her time was limited but she didn’t think it was going be up this soon.

“Can you think of a better way?”

The Figure leans against the door, staring at her. He reaches into his jacket pocket, producing a pack of Kools. He removed a cigarette; put it in his mouth and lit it. The smoke drifted into Carmen’s nose. Her eyes watered.

“Could you not do that,” she asks as she wipes tears from her eyes.

“It doesn’t matter what happens at this point, besides this is the least of your worries”

Carmen knew she was nitpicking but it was worth delaying what was to come.

“Is there anything I can say to stop this?”

“No one has been able too yet. And the ones that have tried have been led to ruin.”

Carmen’s eyes once filled with drops, let go a river of tears.

“Don’t,” The Figure says softly. He reaches again into his jacket pocket, but this time brings out a handkerchief. He wipes away her tears. Carmen leans her face into his hand. She has never experience so warm be so freezing at once.

“You never know how this will play out. You might be one of the lucky ones…”

Carmen smirks. The Figure smiles at her, knowing exactly what she is thinking.

“But yes, it always hurts in some respect.”

The Figure brings his face close to Carmen’s. He brushes her curly hair back to allow him to put his mouth against her ear.

“You have to invite me in. It’s just the way it is.”

Carmen moves her head to look into The Figure’s eyes.

“Maybe I want to fight.”

“You won’t win, Carmen. You know that. You don’t what to know what happens when you lose.”

“But losing is better than the alternative.”

And with that, Carmen closes the door and her heart to love.

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"aut viam inveniam aut faciam" ( I'll either find a way or make one)

"Also, my mom said if I wasted anymore baby powder and lotion, I was going need my own cure for a sore ass."--Me