.....He had almost forgotten...for a while now there has been a chill that nestled itself in his heart. A cold feeling, despite being surrounded by warmth..
His mother had called the day prior..to make sure heโd be there.
Of course, he says, of course how could he forget..
ย ย Another year that youโre gone.. and another year of seeing abueloโs face. Wondering if heโd ever know the man behind the frame..
Wondering if he could achieve anythingย both have done for this family.ย
ย ย Heโs home, and despite the smell of food and sweets. Heโs still cold..the warmth feels almost numb to his skin. He lights a candle, fixing the alter , preparing it for their plates..ย
ย He lights the candles and opens the petals of flowers. Bringing in more from the greenhouse behind the garden.ย ย Mama always loves having them homegrown...
ย Such a beautiful flower...he loves being here, his fingers gently feeling the petals before placing them carefully in the basket... a moment alone before having to return the house..to be alone once again.
ย Though itsย a different kind of lonelinessย as he watches his parents speak to his sister...their pride and joy..
and him..sitting alone..cooking or adjusting things for his mother...
he sits and finds refuge by alter, joined by the dead...
....a strange place for him to fit in..
