I can feel them.

In the hallways, at meals.

Weightless pressure on my back, on my side, pressing on the back of my mind.

During training, on missions.

A ghostly presence never far, just flickering in the corner of my eye.

When I talk with Red, shoot pool with Marie.

I can smell the pain and the fire, just out of reach.

When watching TV, heading to bed.

I can feel them pass over me, warm like the sun.

While asleep, and when awake,

I feel myself unconsciously turning toward that red fire.

Sometime soon, somewhere close,

They will be too much, and I will reach for that fire.

To join with it, or to burn in it,

Combustion is inevitable.

I can feel *him*.