FICTION

during the autumn exacerbation
depressive people
drown themselves in nearby bodies of water
the cold water ignites
upon contact with the suicide’s body

the area fills with steam
and the smell of burnt skin
locals call the emergency services
they fear the flames
will spread to the whole district

rescuers question witnesses
everyone knew the carpenter and his daughter
residents are advised
to avoid the lake and the rain
to put a lock on the bathroom door