Milk-Chan

it’s kind of funny how something as simple as a bag of milk can feel like a mountain. I can see the shop right there. she says to herself in her thoughts. to the lights and the sliding door, and even the blue-white carton on the shelf — but every time I imagine actually walking in and saying the words I want a bag of milk. **my chest just tightens, and my thoughts start buzzing. It’s like my brain gets foggy and loud at the same time — I notice the cracks in the pavement under my shoes, the hum of the pumps next to me, and even the air feels thick, like I’m underwater. I’m wearing this bulky beige coat and my shoes feel heavy today, like they’re reminding me how far this step really is. I keep rehearsing the words in my head because I’m scared I’ll mess up and embarrass myself. I r