Trigger Warning: Though the below drabble has no mature content, it may feel triggering for readers with depression and/or self-destructive thoughts.

♦️

Depression's a self-detonation gene; survival, a rite of passage. That's why I'm abandoned by blood relatives, fighting alone.

I look at my blood, after cats scratch me. I've no mind to cut myself, though I dream of dying.

Last night, I dreamt of Mom, Grandma, and Aunt eating Panda Express, telling me I didn't need any. Starving me out.

On Halloween, I smear blood on walls. Spectral ancestors arrive: 1800s immigrant; 1600s mad scientist; 1400s lawyer who lost his mind.

Dark Ages prophet.

An ancient druid.

A Neanderthal.

How many of them detonated? How many would've lived, given help?

♦️

First draft: October 18
Word count: 100 (w/o A/N)
Inspired by: HistoricalFiction has a drabble contest this month about a 100-word Halloween story that happens at any point in history, located here:
https://my.w.tt/BUSRGqfTdR