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November 14, 2020 3 Comments

By Joanna Cozzolino

4:24 A.M.

Warm under the covers, she holds her lover tight.

The phone vibrates. Aakifah stretches her arm out of the blankets—her eyes squint from the harsh light. The phone drops to the floor. She feels like someone has cut her with a knife.

2:55 A.M.

She stands far back—hidden—as the crowds gather to pay their respects. Abiding by her faith—head to toe in black—she wipes her silent tears. She watches them lower the body into the ground. The final goodbye. Aakifah softly whispers, “I love you, dear mother, I hope you can forgive me now.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Miera says

    November 14, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    Nicely done. Leaves the reader wanting the background.

    Should it be 2.55 pm when she goes for the burial, instead of am?

    Reply
    • Joanna Cozzolino says

      November 14, 2020 at 2:59 pm

      Thank you for your comments Miera. It should say am as decided to use reverse chronology method. Thanks again?

      Reply
      • Joanna Cozzolino says

        November 14, 2020 at 3:01 pm

        Sorry Miera! that was supposed to be a smiley face not a ? 🙂

        Reply

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