He tapped his pencil, passed me a note. It said you are the most fierce creature I have ever seen.

My mother is sleeping. I turn off the late-night game show and kiss her on the forehead. I wish she would kiss me goodnight sometimes, or at least cook with me, or at least talk with me about the world—how it all falls apart and scatters and collapses inside of you at the same time.

A FALCON RIPS ORION FROM THE SKY BY ASHLEY INGUANTA 4THPARALLEL MAGAZINE…