On the way home, I go to make plans with someone new, then think of them.
On the way home, I sometimes start making plans with someone, then think of the person who died and stop typing.
Scenes
- I stop mid-reply. — On the subway home, I start suggesting dinner next week to someone I just met, then think of the person who died and delete my reply.
- Even when you feel drawn to someone new — Thinking about making new plans can feel like forgetting the person who died. Grief has no set order.
- On the path you walked together — On the walk home, I used to tell the person who died that I was off work. Now I wait for a reply from someone new.
- Grief isn't about choosing one side — While grieving, you can hold on to your relationship with the person who died and build a new one, too. Meeting someone new doesn't erase the past.
- Write only as much as you feel — Tonight, before replying, write one plan you'd like to share with them. You can leave it unsent.
- Whether you reply or delete it — Whether you send or delete the reply, you don't have to judge your feelings for the person who died by this one choice today.
Stories by Onyu
- Onyu
- Even on my day off, I answered someone else first.
- After the meeting, I come back and start figuring out my living expenses.
- Even after a meeting, I come home and have to explain why I need to rest.
- Just before clocking out, the clock reminds me of a request
- Gray hair reflected in the window on a rainy day
- Right before clocking out, I pause before canceling our plans
- Right before quitting time, just thinking about learning makes me check the clock.
- Right before clocking out, I can’t think of what to say to a friend.