Clusters

By Prerna Prakash

The fireflies swirled around the darkest part of the park, looking like pinpricks of sun. There were too many for a summer day, yet not enough to satisfy her. I looked over as she stared at the bugs, mesmerised. Her eyes shined with the soft green light—and greed.

I knew what she wanted. 

She wanted to catch those fireflies, heart pounding with excitement. She wanted to cradle them in her palm, till she felt the burn that wasn't there. She wanted to lovingly tear them apart until she owned their light. 

I knew what she wanted because as I looked at her, I wanted the same. 

By Prerna Prakash