Broken

Untitled Part 1

She left me when we were 12, someone I had known all my life, practically since we were born. We were known to be inseparable but that was simply our behavior while in public. In private, however, to the surprise of many, we absolutely did not embody the meaning of the word "inseparable". She was extremely timid, whether in public or social environments, there were no distinctions. She clung to me always in public as she felt comfortable around me, being usually the only person she knows. I was, for her, this tower of safety, a place of comfort in a scary, unfamiliar world, even when around the most docile and tame of people, she would still favor me. At that time, I didn't understand fully why, but now, roughly 20 years later, I completely understand why. She was always different, not just in the way she would act or speak, but on a cellular level. Her mind was degenerative. It was rare that a child would be afflicted in this manner, and yet, she had been like that since birth. What affected her was, and still is, unknown. Those studying medicine could not decipher nor medicate her condition. Similarities to known cases of other illnesses were drawn and used as reference, but were never enough to cure her. Her mother confided in me that she had simply gone to visit family, I would later come to realize that she said that to protect me. At 19 years, 7 years after her passing, while visiting my mother's grave, I unknowingly came across hers. Coincidentally, and painfully, it was her birthday- September 9th, 1980.

Her mother suffered quietly for years. I can't imagine the state she must be in. I'm almost entirely certain that she feels blame and resentment for the losses that she's endured. I offered to her my condolences, as she has always been as a mother to me since I was young. I have cared for her since, as like myself, she has no family. She once buried her husband and now, even her daughter. I can never fully fathom the pieces that her heart split into, and it is impossible for me to even ease the pain. I can only hope that my presence can shed even a glimmer of light in this time of darkness.