I empty the plastic can over my head and the gasoline cascades down my face. Harsh vapors sting my eyes and blur my vision as I toss the can onto the pile of wood stacked around my waist.

I feel the sting of blood welling up along my wrist as I ensure the handcuff is locked tight to the post driven down beside me. I toss the key away with my free hand and it disappears into the trees at the edge of the clearing.

My lighter is slippery from the fuel soaking my body as I pull it from my pocket, but that doesn’t stop me from striking a flame. The air catches fire as the vapor ignites, and I begin to burn.