dig my way out of the ocean

they'd hoped the drink would help, but mostly Spider just feels vaguely...untethered, now. a warmth rests heavily in the pit of their stomach, and their tongue's a little numb where it sits in their mouth, but for the most part it's done little to improve their mood. cradling the bottle in one paw, Spider frowns blearily at the festivities around them and scuffs their free paw in the grass. how many times did Hazel attend this bonfire? what was her favourite part? had she sat with Bas, confident in the love they shared? the very idea twists their stomach, and they chase it away with another swig, wincing at the burn as it sears down their throat. ugh, does this stuff always have to taste so bitter?

"Speech"