Keep Breathing

After She had Gone

After she had gone

My cousin said it was an ordinary day, like the ones she was used to, except she just had a baby of a few days old. She was planning to go home but after her father's funeral the doctor advised her that she should rather stay because she was due very soon so did stay.

It was a boy and he carried her father's name. Her mother was mourning her father so she had to get by on her own. Her aunt visited regularly. She was much more of a shadow now than the woman she used to be. I remember seeing her at the funeral. She looked smaller and thinner.

She tried her best to hide but when she was found she gave a slight hollow smile, and it was hollow but no one took much notice because the woman who just lost her husband and the younger pregnant woman who just lost her father was the centre of attention.

It was only after my aunt had gone that we all recalled the signs. My cousin said she became distant after the funeral, yet she still came every day to see the baby and help out. My other aunt said she tried to let her sister open up but all she did was smile shyly.

On her last day, my cousin watched her leave through the window. Her sad, weary eyes looked up and she waved to the house like she was saying good bye for good. A few days later she had taken her own life leaving so many questions hanging in the air.

The act of taking one's life does not ask how old you are and giving up on life does not carry an age restriction.

There are many factors contributing to suicide like a heartbreak, illness, loss of work, financial troubles or a severe trauma and history of abuse in their lives.

Though I believe we all, have a responsibility to each other and we need to listen and read the signs. These are some of the signs;

When the person's appearance change and they do not take care of themselves. They        are not eating or over eating.

When the person has sudden mood swings and use harmful substances like drugs and alcohol with the attempt to afflict self harm.

When the person is not participating in social activities and isolating oneself from the world.

When the person talks about suicide, and having no reason to live anymore.

When the person sleep too much or not at all.

It is important to refer of notify a close family member, medical professional or teacher if these changes are present.

by: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Carmelitadentlinger