Controlled silence

Then…

The woman burst out laughing.

A cold laugh.

— “You see? Even they don’t understand.”

Clara trembled.

— “So… is it true? You don’t exist…?”

The woman approached… very closely.

Too close.

And he whispered:

— “If I am not real…”

She gently placed a hand on Clara's throat.

The pressure increased.

— “…why can’t you breathe anymore?”

Clara choked.

Her hands gripped those of the other.

But-