The Fifth Bottle

By Stefanie Huang, Del Norte High School 26'

Photography by Man Lai Esther Peckham

Tonight I await you

walking through the doors

of the local CVS

letting in chill air and

pulling out a small slip of paper. I patiently

listen as you slide the slip over the counter

watch as the pharmacist reads and walks

over to my shelf

Spitting out a quick thank you

clutching me tight

in your frost-bitten hands

homeward bound.

When you finally let go

with a click, you switch the light on

a faint yellow glow

reminds me of melted

candles and

2 a.m. in hospital bedrooms

flickers alive

I marvel at the countertop

my abode where

old acquaintances and strangers alike gather

I tick tick tick as you press over my head

tip out my worth

Your consciousness drifting

in the cool breeze

I seek acknowledgement

non-existing.

I will wait for you, wait

for the tap to rush or flow or sputter into the

last glass remaining in your cupboards, but

you shove the pills to your mouth and

sink.