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August 14, 2020 4 Comments

By Brianna Pennella

Sometimes, I think you were never here. It’s history that hangs around. It’s a memory. But it isn’t you.

I’ve forgotten your laugh. The therapist says “That’s fine. That’s normal. Don’t feel bad.”

I don’t feel bad. I feel awful.

You were the sun. Isn’t that what they say? You were the sun, and I was nothing until you shined on me.

Or is it shone?

The biggest difference between now and back then is that I don’t know how to check myself.

“Is it shined or is it shone?”

“It could be either.”

There’s no one to let me know.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan Reid says

    August 14, 2020 at 7:45 am

    Nice use of sun metaphor.

    Reply
  2. jimmy7713Jim Byrnes says

    August 14, 2020 at 8:26 am

    You touched my heart. Well done.

    Reply
  3. Shoshauna says

    August 14, 2020 at 10:03 am

    Powerfully done. The simplicity manages to render real pain.

    Reply
  4. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    August 17, 2020 at 9:06 am

    This story does give the heartstrings a little tug – especially the last line. Well done.

    Reply

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