Constant Companion

 

Constant Companion by Eta Wardana (art cover).

I was 23 when Death felt closer, almost familiar, and became constant companion. There was no sadness. I didn’t feel grief. I was not overwhelmed by sorrow.

But still, Death lingered. It touched the edge of my shoulder, whispering, “I am taking away the people you know. One by one. Until the world becomes a strange place for you. Until you look outside the window and can’t recognize anyone who passes by on the road. Until your house feels empty and unoccupied, filled with a deafening silence.”

Sragen, 5 October 2022