Vale took a break from calling. The phone didn't go off for a week. I think she finally began to understand that calling everyday wouldn't fix anything. When she called this morning, I picked up and though I didn't speak right away, I made it clear that I was willing to reconnect.
She sounded like she was struggling, more than she previously let on. I think she may have struggled for a while, but was better at hiding it than I was. That makes sense, knowing our mother. Being good at hiding the parts of you that scare people, tends to keep them from worrying excessively about your wellbeing... Not that I would know from experience.
Finally talking to my sister after so long felt foreign. I never thought that the distance I put between us would have affected her at all, let alone affect her negatively. I hope she can learn to cope in better ways than I have. Her calls sent me into a spiral of paranoia, insecurity, and I have never been so afraid for my life. I thought I was never going to be able to leave my house again. But in reality, Vale was calling because she was struggling, and I was the only person she knew who understood. My attempts to protect myself from my family, my past, only backfired and I wish I could change that.
Vale, if you see this, know I'm sorry.
Posted: Feb. 2023
Written by: VC
YOU ARE READING
Learning and Coping
القصة القصيرةShort Story written for an intro creative writing course (April 2022) Vesta struggles with intrusive thoughts. Following her father's death, Vesta's mother decides the best way to protect her is to isolate her. Desperate for some sense of connection...
