The little girl was playing at the edge of the garden. She had decided, on this warm summer's afternoon, that she was going to be an archaeologist. Equipped with her beach bucket, a little plastic ... [+]
L.N. Hunter shares an untidy home with two cats and a soulmate, and besides a comic fantasy novel, 'The Feather and the Lamp,' has been published in 'Best of British Science Fiction 2022' and 'Trickster's Treats 3,' among other magazines and anthologies. "Last Breath" is in Short Circuit #14, Short Édition's quarterly review.
They always say the final sense to go is hearing, but touch lasts right 'til the end. Not over the whole body, though; I can't feel Dot's hand in mine, but this fucking diaper itches like blazes. I must've shit myself again. Didn't notice it happening and can't smell it. Can't smell anything, but I can feel this fucking itch. I want to call the nurse, but I don't have the strength.
All I can do is lie here and listen to Dot rambling on. I try to squeeze her hand but can't do even that. Maybe she'll notice the smell and call someone. I'll just have to lie here with my itchy ass-crack.