Sunshine and Summer Days

Isn’t it funny how brightly the sun seems to shine even on days you feel close to death? Make no mistake, I am remarkably overjoyed to have spent this weekend celebrating a momentous occasion—and perhaps even more time preparing for a bride and bridegroom through the throes of early-morning flower market runs, the monotony ofContinue reading “Sunshine and Summer Days”

The Third Woman

There aren’t many things that take me by surprise. Let’s call it a defence mechanism. My brain works too well at predicting patterns and identifying threats… so much so that surprises aren’t really surprises anymore. But because of the ways I’ve been hurt, that uncertainty feels like a very dangerous thing. In fact, I declinedContinue reading “The Third Woman”

Light a Spark

I envy the men who can be gentle with their words and still have the privilege of being heard. You were given grace. And somehow, you have commanded respect from your peers, not needing to rely on aggression. Never needing to repeat yourself, and never having to justify every idea to them. I envy you.Continue reading “Light a Spark”

Season of Daffodils

During the season of daffodils, when October fast approaches, the squeeze of deadlines has tightened its grip on me. Everything is happening in October. And the biggest one weighing on my mind is my closest friend’s wedding. If it wasn’t enough to be stressed about my own deadlines and failures, I’ve decidedly become stressed forContinue reading “Season of Daffodils”

Magnolia

It’s been nearly two months since I shut myself away from the world. And in that time, the weather has gone from torrential rain to sunny days, and the seasons have changed. The deadlines for important parties creep ever closer, with every cross on my calendar reminding me that time is running out. But justContinue reading “Magnolia”

Last Laugh

Is it a normal response to wish ill will on the people who have wronged you? I used to think that immoral satisfaction in seeing people struggle was normal. After making jests at my expense or choosing to not heed my warning, it was indeed the irony that made such situations humorous. And in myContinue reading “Last Laugh”

Palliative Care

We showed up for her. It’s what family does. My auntie, having had all the responsibility put on her shoulders by her no-good older brothers, was rather alone in it all. Caring for her dying father. I couldn’t imagine how that would feel, needing to be there for someone you love while being forced toContinue reading “Palliative Care”

I Still Found Ways To Love You

My mind seems to have found an odd neural pathway I thought was long gone. Destroyed out of self-preservation and unwillingness to put myself in similar situations as I once was. A state of overwhelm after being subjected to an onslaught of information, with little time to process it. It’s a constant battle to outpaceContinue reading “I Still Found Ways To Love You”

I Thought I Was Crazy

This morning, memories of a bygone era popped up on my phone: a notification from Daylio. It read: New Memories 1 year ago A year. Only a year, yet it yawns like a chasm between then and now. The photo, him. A little ways off in the distance, walking down the track. We had goneContinue reading “I Thought I Was Crazy”