asked herself as a giant grin spread across her face. A breeze blew her hair back and she lifted her head to gaze at the sky. Birds floated lazily in the wind currents. Quinn tried to memorize the movement of their wings, the way the sun hit their feathers, and the sense of freedom she felt looking at them so she could recreate it later. *** The tattoo gun buzzes to life behind Quinn. She takes a deep breath as the sound of the gun comes closer. She glances at her mother who is standing across the room with a stern expression on her face. Quinn’s nerves are offset by the anger that has entered her system. The tattoo artist makes the first line and Quinn is surprised that all she feels is a pinch. She watches as a large man is led back into the station she’s facing from the lobby because he’s feeling queasy. Out of the corner of her eye, Quinn watches her mother come closer to look at her back. “This is a big decision.” “I’m not changing my mind. It’s what I want.” “My first tattoo was a small Celtic knot. I wasn’t sure and it’s permanent, you know?” the tattoo artist states. Quinn glances back at his tattoo covered arms. Quinn rolls her eyes. It can’t be that big of a decision, Quinn thinks. Even in her own head she can hear the sarcasm. Her eyes wander around the open space. She can see into the lobby, for the only divider is the wall with the chalkboard of tattoo prices. Quinn wonders what she looks like, as she perches in her chair, to incoming customers. The sensation strikes Quinn in the stomach causing her to feel as if she’s spinning. It’s a sensation Quinn is familiar with. She has felt it every time she has had her blood taken. Her eyes dart around the room; she’s not sure what she should do. Maybe she can fight through it. “Can you stop for a second?” The feeling is getting stronger, Issue 1
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