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“ Sing one of the songs you’ve been working on for Orion’s project ”

My hand moves unconsciously to the loose papers scattered on my makeshift desk

“They’re not ready ”

Victria rolls her eyes “Just sing ”

And so I sing

I start with a long note—a high E—and I hold it as long as I can, letting the strength ofI tilt et about Luthor and whatever it is about hiet about the way Bartie’s presence fillsbut the sound

I hold the note until ives out, and I collapse a little on myself as I suck in more air, but I don’t open my eyes

I know the notes I want, the words that will go with them

I start softly, a contrast to the opening of the song

I sing of being afraid, and of finding friendship Of love and longing

Very softly, Bartie picks up the tune, adding siuitar sounds hesitant at first, but as er My voice falters a bit, a little sad at the e can ether, despite the fact that Bartie will never love lance at Luthor, and es in my throat

I sing about the ocean I’ve never seen in real life I sing about loneliness Isympathetic She doesn’t mean to kill what she loves She just can’t help it Silence wraps aroundthat’s wrong, and everything that’s right, of hope and death I sing of infinite wonder, of how everything , my head thrown back, my arms cast behind me

I’ve unconsciously forh I sang a love song,with one shaking hand, but to Luthor, who’s snatched up his notebook and is resketchingonto paper so he can carve it out of clay

“Thanks, ” Victria whispers

“ Was that what you were looking for?” I ask There’s a sheen of sweat on my brow