So, this one-shot grew from two sources. First was a random drabble my younger sister wrote to go with a picture she drew. Part of it - the "I ran . . ." line - is directly drawn from that. Just in case she ever reads this, I give her total credit for that. The other source is one of my favorite villains ever; Christopher Carrion of the Books of Abarat. The story, the emotions, are derived from, though not identical to, his. Please R&R - I'm always looking for ways to improve!

---

I ran, never looking back.

I ran from the memories,

The pain.

From your face,

Your eyes;

Those eyes so full of beauty.

I ran, never looking back.

I ran from the crime,

The blood.

Spilling from you,

Your ruined heart;

Wherein rested my jagged knife.

I ran, never looking back.

I ran from the rejection,

The love.

Flowing from my soul,

But not yours;

Your soul reviled mine.

I ran, never looking back.

I ran from the mirror,

The hate.

From my face,

My eyes;

Those eyes so full of nightmares.

And now I lay here,

The life that was your love,

Your soul,

Ebbing from me.

Yes, even as it ebbed from you.

And I am looking back.

And I love you so.