Beso | Miguel O'Hara

tasw vol. #8

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙰𝚖𝚊𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛-𝚆𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚅𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚖𝚎 #𝟾

Pearl sits alone in her room, her heart heavy with grief. The vibrant colors and festive decorations outside her window stand in stark contrast to the weight of her emotions. It is Dia De Muertos, a day when the living honor the departed, but for Pearl, it feels like a raw wound that has been freshly exposed.

With trembling hands, she gathers the necessary items to create an altar—a sacred space where she can pay homage to those she has lost. Each object holds profound significance, a portal to cherished memories and a way to keep their spirits alive in her heart.

She places a photograph of her dads at the center, their smiling faces capturing the essence of their love and warmth. They were a beacon of strength and support, always there to guide her through life's challenges. Pearl arranges their favorite foods and drinks, recalling the aroma of their cooking and the sound of their laughter filling the air.

Next to her dads' photograph, she positions a small figurine of her tia, a remarkable woman whose presence filled every room she entered. Her tia's strength and wisdom were a source of inspiration, and Pearl can still hear her voice, filled with love and encouragement.

Finally, Pearl carefully sets up a picture of Rosa, her best friend, whose life was tragically cut short. Rosa's infectious smile and boundless energy remain etched in Pearl's memory, a constant reminder of the joy they shared. She places a string of papel picado, delicate tissue paper cutouts, above Rosa's photograph, their vibrant colors fluttering like whispers in the wind.

As the altar takes shape, the room becomes a sanctuary, cocooned in a soft, ethereal glow. Candles flicker, casting dancing shadows on the walls, and the sweet aroma of marigold petals fills the air. The room feels alive with the presence of the departed, their spirits mingling with Pearl's sorrow.

Pearl kneels before the altar, her hands clasped in prayer, her voice soft but filled with a mixture of longing and gratitude. She begins to speak, her words an offering of remembrance and love.

"Padrés," She whispers, her voice quivering with emotion, "Thank you for the unconditional love you bestowed upon me. Your presence in my life was a gift beyond measure. I miss you every day, but on this sacred day, I celebrate the memories we shared."

Tears stream down Pearl's cheeks as she continues, her voice carrying her pain and love to the heavens.

"Tia, you were my guiding light, my pillar of strength. Your wisdom and compassion shaped the person I am today. I honor your memory and cherish the lessons you taught me."

Her voice trembles as she speaks Rosa's name.

"Rosa, my best friend, your laughter echoed through my soul, and your friendship brought me immeasurable joy. Though you are gone, your spirit lives on within me. I hold you close, remembering the moments we laughed, cried, and navigated life together."

As Pearl's words fade, the room becomes hushed, enveloped in a sacred silence. She sits in quiet contemplation, allowing the weight of her grief to mingle with the love and memories she holds dear. In this sacred space, time seems to stand still, and Pearl feels a profound connection to the spirits she honors.

In the midst of the hushed silence, a gentle knock on Pearl's door breaks through the stillness, reverberating through the room like a fragile echo. Startled, she looks up from her place of quiet contemplation, her tear-stained eyes meeting the concerned gaze of Miguel. He stands at the threshold, his presence both comforting and unexpected, like a fleeting oasis in the desert of her sorrow.