I longed to discover the mysterious secrets of that room upstairs. It was always locked but sometimes I peeked through the keyhole and would catch a glimmer of something familiar. Then nothing, just darkness once more.
If only the door could be thrown open. If only light could rush in, filling the space with its warmth. I knew that there was something beautiful in there, but maybe now it was lost forever.
I gazed into my wife’s eyes and squeezed her hand. She stared back at me, like I was a stranger. Her dementia was slowly locking me out for good.
So sad.
Dementia — it really is like a mysterious locked door with a hint of something familiar inside. Nice story.
The opening of this story really drew me in and I didn’t guess where it was going until I read that last line. Very poignant.
Beautifully crafted.
Very good–drew me in and then surprised me.
I agree with all of the comments above – sad, poignant, beautifully crafted. It’s a 101-word that I feel privileged to have read.
Excellent piece of work, J.D.
A perfect little story of sadness, loss and eternal love. A Winner!
If only we could unlock that door. This came on the morning I had just met with the gerontologist about my mother. So sad.
Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I wanted write something that is sad, yet shows love and warmth. I think a lot of people can relate to this story.
Very poignant analogy of an unfortunately all to common experience. Very well done.
Can’t get much better than this.
This is a great piece of microfiction. One of my favorites I’ve read on 101.
That is a huge compliment. I really appreciate it.
Reallly well done