"Is it who you are or something someone else tells you to be?"

Drugs in her hand, painful memories, and the endless wish to step away from reality left her dreary in the eyes. "I need this," Jessica said hoarsely. Closer steps, the white pants neared.

"If you can look me in the eye with complete belief in that, then you go right ahead and take it."

Once again, Jessica eyed the Mesnomer. As it dropped from her hand, she felt stomach knots and the prelude to a ...