Alice guides me back,

out of the woods

out of my mind

out of the scrutiny

from an unforgiving sun.

She has this interesting ability

to make people focus on her

like she's the only thing here

in the entire world.

"Charlie, you should stop wandering around like this," she scolds.

She knows

I get lost easily.

"You always find me," I say.

Now it's

my turn

to be indifferent.

"If I don't come find you,

no one will."

I can't deny that.

Everyone gave up

on searching for me

a long time ago.