“Exploring life through fiction, together.”
I’ve had a bad week. No, I’ve had a hectic week. A week with tears. A week with arguments. A week with birthdays. A week with picnics at sunset on the summit of a hill. I’ve swung the pendulum pretty far in both directions. It cost sleep; it cost the tidiness of the house; it cost getting stuff done. It cost my writing. This week I lost my streak, 430 days turned to smoke with a few fitful nights.
Fiction Bite - Wednesday’s Are For Fish and Chips
I called, you didn’t pick up. I came round, you were out. I sent letters, posted presents, dropped by, broke in. I didn’t mean to. I just tried the door; with my shoulder. The lock popped like I warned you. But you never listened, just like the kettle, with its fraying wire. Or the rotting floorboard on the stairs. In the end, it didn’t matter. You were in bed, asleep but not asleep. The room stunk like piss and mayflowers. I covered my mouth with your shawl.
When the ambulance came, I warned them about the step, about the smell. They’d seen worse, but I’m glad I haven’t.
I’ll miss you.
Quote of the Week
“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” — Havelock Ellis
Book recommendation - The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need by Daniel H. Pink [Manga, Self-Help]
Final Words
I expected to be upset. Instead, I was relieved. The weight of expectations had crushed me without me realising. Before it locked me into a path, now I get to choose if I want to reengage. 1 is such a beautiful number. It can lead me anywhere.
With Love,
Josiah
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