Lucifer rises to his feet, and Wilhelm curls up on his knees. He wants to saw his heart from his chest. He wants to split open his skull, pull back his skin, and tear out every nerve. He wants to to hit Lucifer, kick him in the shins, shove him to the ground. He wants to be held.

"I..."

Because he can't. He can't think of anybody who would miss him if he were gone. There must have been somebody at one time. Friends. Family. Didn't he have a brother? What was his name? The face is a blank blur, the voice white noise. In the place of memories gape dark cavities.

He isn't yelling anymore. Now his voice is like the blackened wick that's left after the candle burns out.

"It would've been better if you just let me die."