I found myself in an abandoned market. There were people I could sense but not see, music I could hear but not place and colours I could see if I focused. The bricks under my feet burned despite not feeling like I was making contact with the ground. I walked in the shade until I came upon an opened door leading into a dim room that promised to provide relief from the heat.

The room was filled with women I could sense and almost see. They were laughing and joking and talking about the events of the day. They didn't acknowledge me when I entered but the burning sensation was spreading to my ankles and they didn't object to me entering. I went to sit on one of the chairs.

The red, long, one looked to have space for me. It looked cushioned and after all the walking I must have done it would be a blessing. But I didn't feel relaxed. I ran my hands across the fabric but didn't feel the and it didn't shift under my weight.

I had sat close to one of the women who seemed to have dark, curled hair and she moved to accommodate me better but made no indication of knowing I was there. Not even as I started to scratch my burning legs. I knew I should be moving her skirts with how close we were but they didn't move and she didn't react. The burning was growing more intense, I try to distract myself.

It took too much energy to keep up with the conversation, listening too closely made me feel like I was weightless. A blond haired woman lit a few candles with strange markings on them and it became easier to simply be. It also became easier the feel that forsaken pain. The burning was at my waist now, and intolerable. It was agony and I needed to let the pain out.

So I Screamed

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And Screamed

And Screamed

Screaming was it's own agony but it couldn't compare to the burning, burning, burning, burning. It was everywhere. It was everything. I wrenched my eyes open to see how to escape the damned burning. The women. They must hear me. They must help me.

The women. Were. Puttering about. The room.

How dare they! I pray that the fire that must be in me burns outward and engulfs them, this room and the entire market! Grabbing bowls and spices! Daring to prepare food while I burn! Filling countless mugs and pitchers with water to mock me! Drawing on the damned walls and moving rocks around!

A younger girl went to cover her ears. Good. She can hear me. She will either help or she will never stop hearing me scream.

And Scream

And Scream

And Scream

"Its alright, you're safe now" the dark haired one said. Right before she threw a pitcher of water on me.

The relief was almost as painful as the fire. I was startled by not burning in the first time in memory. With the lack of burning sensation came an overwhelming amount of other sensations.

The chair was made of plush velvet. The room was cool. The women's faces were clearly discernable. I am truly here in the room.

"What did you do?"

"Sorry. Other people manage to figure out how to not burn so we thought you would as well. Have a drink."

"Cut the shit! Why was I burning? Why did you burn me?"

"Oh Darling," the red hair simpered "We didn't burn you, you were burning before you ever came here. What do you remember before coming here."

What did I remember? The more I drink, the more obvious it is that I had a life before entering the market. I had entered other markets before. Sold furs from animals that I had hunted. Traveled and made friends and enemies by giving extra furs to those who looked in need. I told them as much.

The young one, who I could now see had freckles, asked "Ok what is the last thing you remember?"

"A man falsely accused me of being in league with the devil and impregnating his wife."

"Falsley Accused?" The blonde asked, amused.

"Madam I can assure you, I cannot impregnate anyone and I'm not so simple as to sell my soul to the devil and not gain the ability to do so.