It's not like the movies. I figured I'd be so numb to it, you know? I've seen so much shit. Sitting on the floor of the living room, indian-style in my pjs, watching midnight gore-fest horror movies with my eyes glued to the screen. This isn't like the movies, but I find myself drifting subtly closer, my arms wrapped around my middle, but my mouth's dropped open in horror, not awe.

Someone bumps into me from behind and I stumble, catch myself on a skinny, dirty kid no older than me, and mutter an apology.

When the crowd yells back, I stay silent, watching like I'm goddamn hypnotized as the nooses are slipped over one head at a time.