Beat beat. Beat beat.

This is the sound of your heart. You know it well, yes? I’m sure. It is a comfort in the dark hours.

Beat beat beat beat beat beat beat beat. This is the sound of my heart. Mine and countless dead ones.

I’ve gotten used to it, in a way. It would be hell if they all had heart beats; but mostly it’s just the new ones. The new ones, and the ones who refuse to give up their humanity.

My name is Emily. This is the name that was given to me; but to the dead ones, I have no name. I am more of a thought. Because what is a name, other than a word? Many of them have forgotten words, along with everything else.

The others don’t understand. Mistress tries to, but I know it scares her all the same. They’ll thank me when the flame of existence burns out, and I am the only one who remembers. Until then, this is the way I remain. Alone.

Except I never am.