The interviewer asks a question in Polish, and the lead singer laughs. “We’re heading to the States soon,” he says. “To record a new version with The Riven Altar, invited byObelushimself. We really can't believe it!”
My hand flies to my mouth. The words blur. Obelus, studio, collaboration, success. The song he covered becausehe met me, the song that was the background to my entire childhood... is going to number one. Now he’s makingthemfamous too?This can't be happening.
“Are you fucking kidding me,” I whisper, laughing, half-reeling.
I grab the remote and shut it off. I try to keep myself busy, move the laundry, fold things that don’t need folding and take a too-hot shower. My brain won’t stop spinning. Every path circles back to the same place: the sound of his voice sayingKasia.
Finally I slam the laptop shut, crawl into bed. Toss, turn, check my phone. Stare at the ceiling, adjust my pillows and then finally, it breaks. I grab the phone and type before I can stop myself.
That song is everywhere now. I can’t get away from it.
It’s almost 2 a.m. He probably won’t even see it until morning, I tell myself. I drop the phone onto the nightstand, already regretting it and the buzz comes instantly. A new message lighting the dark.
she lives.
I had my doubts.
A startled laugh bursts out of me, a snort mixed with disbelief, followed by a small gasp. Because for some reason,it feels just like oxygen.I sit and stare at the text. I decide it's time he stops being anUnknown Numberand finally type in Rafe.
I’ve been busy.
same. studio, meetings, chaos.
not much sleep.
the song keeps finding me too.
guess we’re both haunted.
You don’t get to be haunted.
You started it.
maybe
I didn’t expect it to follow me home. does that make it a poltergeist?
I laugh even as my chest tightens.
I can’t say I know the ghost taxonomy, but I seem to recall they don’t travel.
Maybe it’s a demon.
that would explain a lot.
possession.grabs the soul of all who sing it?
Possibly.
It’s always been a beautiful song, even before you touched it.
touched it.
interesting word choice.
Heat floods my face even though he can’t see me.
I meant musically, obviously.
