An Infinite Burning

By Katie Jordan

My fingers trace Quinton’s scars, imagining they’re constellations. The waitress delivers cake—one slice, one candle.

Quinton asks, “Why do you love me?” 

I smile. “I’ll never tell.”

I love his scars. They lead me in different directions, returning to where I started. Reminding me of the car accident—and third-degree burns—he saved me from. The scars whisper, Always choose him.

Wax runs down the candle. Quinton pleads, “Tell me.”

I close my eyes, caressing hardened tissue on his cheek. His skin guides the way, down his jawline and up, up, to his lips. “With you, I’m never lost.”

🩷🩷🩷

When Katie isn’t reading or writing thrillers, she’s devouring crab puffs, hunting for the lobster truck, or snuggling in for family movie night. Her work has been featured in The No Sleep Podcast, The Fairy Tale Magazine, and Marrow Magazine, among others. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her outdoor enthusiast husband, Brad, and three children. Find her online at authorkatiejordan.com.