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Day 3 of 366

I wanted to say hello, but never actually sent the message. It wasn't because I wasn’t willing to make contact; rather, I thought that popping up out of the blue would be a kind of trespass. I was scared to death that if I started suddenly, you would shut the door before I could see you. I didn’t want to be amongst all the other interruptions in your life that vanish as soon as you hit block, or be the reason for your reflex of self-protection. So I went away without saying goodbye, keeping it in my pocket. But here, talking honestly in your own gentle manner, I can sense that something has changed. A tiny authorization. A small glow. It was enough for me to respond not only with words but with commitment to everything you wrote. That is exactly what I am indebted to you for: your time, not your value judgments. The way you portray yourself is not a mere characterization but a look - a look that shows how your total inner world is affected and how your heart is both your guide and ...
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Excerpt from an email I never sent #11

 When I learned that you have someone else other than me, I knew then that you were not coming back. That the chance of me ever seeing your face again went from a slim 25% to 2%. When I learned that there is now a little chance of having you in my life, I wish your goodbye was a little kinder. I wish it didn't sting that much. I can only wish you walked away without breaking me. It took so much to stop hoping, did you know that? It took me more than 366 days to understand the part where you left and that it wasn't my fault either. I remember how I play pretend of what I would do just in case one day, you're at my front door apologizing for all the bad decisions you have made that affected me. I still remember trying to check the small window in my room just in case your car is already back at the garage. I remember crossing out days on the calendar as if you were someone who was just having a vacation in another country. I remember hoping and I remember how that feeling suc...

Excerpt from an email I never sent #10

 There are days when I feel like you regret having me in your life. Like when someone wants milk but gets coffee instead, or how someone wants gold but got silver instead, and then there's the rush of feeling disappointed that comes after. I hope you don't have that kind of regret, where you would exchange anything just so you could turn back time and make me disappear. I know I am not someone you wished for with your eyes closed and heart hoping, but please do not regret having me. I hope my existence does not bring you any discomfort. I hope that, hearing my name come up on television or the radio, won't give you panic attacks and those kinds of stomachaches that come from stress. I hope seeing me in person won't give you the fright. To be honest, I do not, and never wanted to be remembered as your biggest mistake. I am pretty sure I am not one, but the look in your eyes sometimes makes me think otherwise. I try not to ask too much because I also do not want you to re...

I met my younger self for coffee today

I met my younger self for coffee at noon today. She was an hour early, Eyes filled with so much hope, regardless of life's uncertainty.  I was right on time, Feeling bad for not showing up so much. She took a train, Kept texting me not to cancel at the last minute. I'm not sure how to respond, But I booked a Grab car instead. She wore a tight shirt and a long skirt, It was funny because I did too. I guess some things never change. She seems so excited to order, I told her she can get anything she wants. She asked for a Pure Double Chocolate, And as the barista asked for the name, "Please put Maui on it!" She exclaimed. After her, I ordered a Chai Tea Latte, "The name's Anne. Thanks," I responded calmly. We went to sit at our table. She started telling me stories about what she wanted to be. She went on and on about how exciting it is to be a teacher, And that English is probably going to be her major. She's quirky and so creative. I definitely think ...

I can keep promises, Bàba

Bàba, will you ever come back? Or will we forever wonder where you are? I can keep promises, Bàba. Bàba, if you ever come back, I promised not to ask why you left. Even if I have a hundred thousand queries, I promised not to ask a single one, And won't also ask a single soul. Even if I feel like I'm left dumbfounded, I promised not to probe. Bàba, will we forever wonder where you are? I promised not to ask why it was so easy for you to leave. I promised to stay silent, despite knowing the truth. I will not tell anyone that I'm secretly hoping, That a little girl in me is longing. Bàba, where are you? I promised not to ask where you went, Even if I counted the days you were away. I promised not to be curious, About that other family on your phone. I promised to try to smile some more, Like that little kid you called "My son..." before. Bàba, I miss you a lot lately. I promised not to tell anyone how I'm broken into three. I promised not to look like I'm fal...