Ephemeral and Fleeting

Felicity dropped her hold on Trumble and then stepped toward the newcomers. “Please, please don’t do this,” she said, a cry in her voice.

Birdie glared at her. “What’s it to you where we go or what we do?”

“It’s a trick. They hurt people.” Tears ran down Felicity’s face.

Tapping the toe of her boot, Birdie turned to her friends. “Come on girls, let’s go. They can’t hold us here.” She started off.

Once again, Felicity cried out. Then she dropped to the ground in convulsions.

The crowd turned her way.

Before Trumble reached her side, Velia did. Grabbing her hand, she fell back with a scream.

“What is it?” Jerrett asked.

“It seems she’s experiencing some pain that someone is suffering and— Ohhhh! Ahhhh!”

“What?” He pulled her hand free.

With tears pooled in her eyes, Velia pulled back to her knees and then turned to address Birdie. “If you choose to do this, know that the pain you’ll encounter, both physically and emotionally, is more than you’ll ever be able to bear.” As she stood, she reached for her hand. “Don’t do this. Don’t go. Convince your friends to stay. Please. Please, listen to me.” Then she addressed Echo and Sugar, “Don’t go. I beg you.” Her voiced sounded as though her heart was breaking. Finally, “Trixie, don’t do it,” she added, catching the eye of the last of the girls.