❝In the darkness, two shadows reach through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun. ❞
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
—————
"I think you're far more affected by this world than you care to admit. The inevitable, unavoidable parts of life makes you uneasy. Like for example, your refusal to let anyone get too close to you is driven by your fear of loss."
The therapists calm voice along with the sound of light droplets tapping against the windows, really set the gloomy mood in the spacious office. Even after three months of therapy, Maelani still wasn't completely comfortable with allowing a stranger into the depths of her mind. She was used to being the only one who knew what hid behind her stoicism.
"You're telling me things I already know, Dr Grey. I'm well aware of the effects that my past trauma has caused me so I don't understand what's your point here."
The therapist gave the mocha skinned woman before her a pointed look, "The point here is death, darling. The most inevitable concept of life. The reason that you are here right now. You put on this front as if it means nothing to you but it does. Not your own, but definitely the death of others."
Maelani eyed the therapist blankly for a moment before sighing and leaning up in her seat. She interlocked her manicured fingers while her elbows rested on her knees.
"I'll tell you what I know about death, Dr Grey." She began lowly, "Death will waltz right into your home without invitation and demand a seat at your table. While sitting there, it'll make you weep and sob over those it took from you without giving a damn. So why the fuck would I give a damn about death?"
"See that's exactly my point." Dr Grey stated with a small amused smile, "You make some glib, throwaway line about death to convince yourself that you're not scared of it, but you are. Why else do you push people away if not to avoid the agony that comes with losing them?"
With a roll of her eyes, Maelani grabs her mug of chamomile tea and leans back in her seat, taking a sip of the heated beverage. A silent signal that she was done with this topic.
"You know I'm right, Mae."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Linda."
———————
Walking through the familiar streets of Chicago was nothing short of nostalgic for Maelani. She could recall visiting the vibrant city as a child with her family as if it happened yesterday. The famed restaurants, the elegant museums, the lively music scenes, and the iconic parks.
But with those joyful memories came a short wave of sadness. Reminding her of the heartfelt moments she shared with her family, moments that she could never get back. She pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind, deciding she was in need of a drink.
