In which I take a deep breath

There’s a rhythm that jerks my chain. That winds me up to creaking point. That cuts me to the tender quick.
Question –
Answer –
Silence.
Pause.
Question –
Answer –
Silence.
Pause.
Question –
Answer –
Silence.
Pause.
And repeat.
My stride is repeatedly drawn up short. The chords halt before resolution. My words hang in the air, wisping to nothing as they fail to penetrate ears.
Question –
Answer –
Silence.
Pause.
I occasionally break the loop, with the faint hope the system will reboot. That the floundering whale of conversation will find its way back to the ocean of words.
Question –
Silence.
Half answer.
Pause.
The whale drowns.