I stood in the rain, utterly stunned by the sight of the blood on my feet. I could only repeat: “I’m alive… I’m alive… I’m – alive…”

Soon the rain registered through my brand new nervous system and I reached my thumb up to my neck, squealing at the feeling of a steady pulse under my skin. I smiled and I could feel its brightness— the type of smile that humans have, that glows and infects people with its happiness. I could never do that before; there’s only so much circuitry can do.

I turned back to look the way I came. As I turned my foot brushed something in the mud beneath me. Looking down I saw Romeo’s gift half buried in the filth. This emotion— like anything from him would be perfect, even covered in horse crap and fertiliser. I smiled again, slipping the beaded bracelet over my wrist, each bead dragging mud up my arm.

Thunder rolled above, pushing the swirling clouds as I took off towards Romeo’s shack, my muscles wearying, but I pushed through, knowing there was only one place I should be.