Grief

They say it gets better with time.

I think you just get used to the pain.

I saw you. All flesh and bones. I was only half-asleep, but definitely dreaming. You wrapped your arms around me. I could even feel your warmth. It was just like I remembered, and I knew it couldn’t be right.

The pressure that had build up in my chest suddenly disappeared, some weight lifted off my shoulders. That lightness… such a relief. But it felt too good to be true. You couldn’t still be here; you left us so long ago… and I surely don’t believe in miracles.

Your body was reduced to dust, now rotting away in an overpriced wooden box, several feet below some patchy grass. It must be so cold down there. And dark. And damp. I just hope your soul was set free. Or maybe you, too, just got used to it.