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If I could change the world
I would make the world see
All the beauty around us
Even in the smallest things
The sunset bathes the city park in a warm glow as the sun makes its descent. Peter sits close to you, his hand in yours. It's hot out, but you don't want to let go for a second. At least the sunset seems to be ending on time.
"At least the sunset is ending," Peter says, echoing your own thoughts. His voice is small and tempered by the heavy weight of the world around you.
"How long was the sunset yesterday?" you ask. Peter's hand clenches yours too tightly for a second.
"I don't remember."
You know that's a lie. Peter is just as worried as you are about the state of your world.
"Peter-"
"-Darling," He interjects. You turn to face him and look into his eyes. Peter sighs.
"Three hours and twenty-six minutes."
A terrible idea starts to grow in your head. It's been there for a while, but now you're seriously considering it. A quiet voice in your head starts to whisper.
___
If I could change the world
I would make the world see
All the opportunities around us
Farther out, past the sea
"Peter. I.. hear me out," you say. His posture locks, and you can see concern etched in his brow. With a deep exhale, you continue. "This world is crumbling. We both know that. But it doesn't have to be." He puts it together before you can find what to say.
"No!" Peter's eyes widen, and he jerks his head to the side. "It's too dangerous!"
"Nobody else can do it. It's.. the only way. I'm sorry." You scrub your hand over your face. "It took me three minutes to remember my own name yesterday. The tap water kept fading in and out, and I think my street changed names."
Peter slumps, "I can't stop you." He sounds defeated. It matches how you feel.
"No. I.." What's there to say? Nothing can make this okay. You're going to leave him. Maybe forever. It might not even work. "I love you, Peter." He clutches you to his chest. You don't comment when his tears dampen your head.
Letting go isn't easy.
___
If I could change the world
I would make the world see
All the happiness around us
And what it truly means
"I'm going to save this world."
"Darling, wait-"
"-no. I have to do it. I'll come back, I swear. You just might have to find me again, is all. I won't be far."
"Now? You have to go now?" Peter looks panicked. His breaths are shallow, and you can see the sweat collecting on his forehead.
"If not now, when?" Your fingers twitch. Touching him again would be cruel. To give him affection right before ripping it away would be sadistic. It's the smallest mercy you can offer now, denying him.
Peter reaches out.
You step back before ripping a seam out of the world. The seam sucks you in, only marked by the slight pop when it closes.
Then? Nothing
___
Were you doing something? Oh yeah, you were thinking about your roommate, Lucy. She's late with half of the rent. Again. Well, maybe if you're lucky, her 'study partner' will be gone by the time you get back to the apartment. You start to stand but stop in your movements. Did you really just...forget your own name?
Ah! That's it. You remember it now, tasting it like new fruit and slipping it on like an old sweater. It's a good name, you guess. One that serves a purpose, at least.
A weight drops next to you on the bench. You open your eyes. Someone's sitting next to you.
"Woah! Hey, take it easy. It's just me."
If I could change the world
I would make the world see
That maybe I can't change the world, but the world can change me.