Water licked the stone and climbed. The bulb hummed like a trapped bee. Audrey stood knee-deep, then thigh-deep, hands at her sides, breathing even.
“Now?" the wolf asked.
“Not yet," she said.
“I can tear the door," the wolf said.
“You can tear men," Audrey said. “Doors we outwait."
Water pressed higher.
The door rattled. Daisy's knuckles tapped. “Still there?"
“I'm taller than the water," Audrey said.
Daisy laughed through the seam. “Not for long."
“It slows," Audrey said. “You forgot the cracks."
“I wanted to see your face again," Daisy said.
“I came to listen," Daisy said.
“It will be quiet," Audrey said. “I don't flail anymore."
“Then drown gracefully," Daisy said. “It suits you."
“Say it and be done," Audrey said. “Say what you came to say."
Daisy's breath warmed the ke
