The

My breath catches in my throat, a veil of shock seeming to drain my eyes, then pure excitement relight them like a candle. A familiar metallic tang hits my tongue, then trickles down my throat, I lightly breathe again, my eyes seeming to soften. I lick my lips over and over as the taste lingers. Then I lick my teeth. I drag my finger on my lip, to catch it. Then lick my tongue and repeat the cycle, again and again. It stops many minutes later, and disappointment settles in my face. .