Nine.  She leans against the dirty brick wall as she takes a drag of the cigarette. It sticks in her lungs and catches her for a moment. She doesn’t smoke, just lately. The city lights tell a story of human progress in the distance. She thinks about how far we have come and how simple we still are.  She imagines Him in front of her. She pounds her fists hard into His chest and screams. The cigarette drops forgotten at their feet. He would hate that she smokes now. She takes another drag.  She imagines Him in front of her. Its been nine months ago now. “If its not me, than it is one as good as me. I want nothing. I want to go under.” He looks at her. She feels the space between them. She knows it will hurt but she steps towards Him, steps into His arms and tucks her head into His chest. She closes her eyes and tears stream down her face. Its been so long since she has felt she is at home, but she feels it now. Her eyes sting and she takes another drag as she tilts her head back against the brick wall behind her. This keeps the tears from spilling. Nine months. ***