Asterism

short story , October 9 , 2025

I blink. I find myself in my bedroom, thankfully alone this time. I glance out the door, at another package with my name on it that I have no memory of ordering. It’s makeup. I look up at my calendar on my fridge, and let out a dry, loud bark of a laugh.

I look down at my cart. I usually get a basket. I examine the unicorn marshmallow cereal and the (thankfully discounted) pony doll. I inhale. I need a shower.

I find myself again at an obviously out of my budget restaurant. There’s a dazzingly gorgeous woman sitting across from me. Her hair is blonde and curled. She’s in a blue dress. I look down and see I’ve ordered salmon. I hate salmon. She scrunches up her face in waiting. I examine my suit. My mouth is dry. I ask her what we were talking about. She gets up and leaves.

I look up at the stars. I notice the Dipper, not sure which one. Or maybe that’s Ursa Major? I don’t know. I feel the cold on my face, the air. Salt. I look down at the ocean. I let go of the railing. I turn around. I call an uber. I notice I have mascara on. Caked on and thick and muddy. I’m in high waisted shorts. I snort. I listen to the waves as I wait.

I inhale, finding myself in my bedroom. I grasp a pillow. I’m all scratched up. I wonder what happened. I wonder if it was my cat or that woman before I realize they’re both gone. I let out a breath. I go and pour myself a bowl of unicorn marshmallow cereal.