Losing someone is one of the most painful experiences for us. Seeing bonds carefully interwoven, severed by various circumstances is truly excruciating. People sometimes drift apart then finally reconnect like the waves ebbing back and forth to the shoreline. Other relationships get corrupted by the seed of betrayal slowly spreading its roots of distrust and suspicions. Some losses are permanent, through death. Of all the ways to lose a person, death is the kindest. Let me tell you a short story, dear reader.
A girl, Sara, jolted awake in her bed, a foreboding sense of unease gnawing at her. She glanced at her bedside clock, which read 04:18, as she fumbled for her phone. Still groggy, Sara checked her messages. An ominous text flashed on her screen: "I ran away from home, Sara." Her best friend, Jane, had sent her this minutes ago. She replied anxiously, her heart racing as she waited for those three dots to appear. Jane responded vaguely, never specifying her reasons, and after a few exchanges, the conversation slowly ended. Sara drifted off to sleep again with heavy thoughts but she soothed herself that Jane would be fine. She would probably go back home of her own accord. Little did our protagonist know how wrong she was at that time.
After a long day at school filled with anguish and inner turmoil thinking of Jane, Sara came back home exhausted. All of a sudden, she felt her phone buzzing at her side. What is finally Jane texting back? Without wasting a second, she grabbed her phone frantically, only for her to be met with devastating news. Jane had committed suicide that morning and Sara was the last person she had texted. Sara was left numb by this revelation, staring blankly at her screen until tears finally blurred her vision. How heartbroken she was! Alas, this was not the end of Sara's troubles.
After a week, Sara was less shaken thanks to the emotional support of her friends and family. However, one of her closest friends, Kim, had cut off all contact without explanation. Furthermore, other people in Kim's class started giving Sara looks filled with hatred, disdain and even fear. One day, to her utter dismay, Sara found out the dreadful truth about her so-called friend Kim. The latter had maliciously spread various rumours about how Sara incited Jane to take her own life and how Sara was going to do the same very soon. Poor Sara! She had lost both of her closest friends in the span of two weeks. Kim had hurt her deeply and she would forever remember this suffering.
Now, dear reader, let me tell you a secret. "Sara" is actually me. This true story happened a few months ago and it left an indelible mark on me. Kim's betrayal left me with a bitter feeling of resentment towards her. However, when I think of Jane, our good memories come flooding back. Sure, I still have lingering regrets and sadness but she'll live on in my heart forever.
Indeed, death is the most tender way to lose someone we cherish. It does not go down the road of distance, betrayal or being left behind. In a way, it offers mercy and a feeling of finality.
~Kendra