Of all sins, this was the one I didn’t think I would ever
commit. I never imagined I would be confronted by the
temptation, so it had no place on the to-do list of my mind.
But now, it seems the most natural thing to do; the only path
that slices a circle through this labyrinth of emotions and
back to my former life—a path through which I must thread.
I’ve heard of girls whose boyfriends accompany to places
like this and I wondered what the world was coming to. But
today, on my day, I am alone. I want Mike here. His
presence may not be analgesic, but it will dignify my misery
and make me feel less like an unclaimed luggage in the
middle of an empty motor park.
There is no Mike. He had exhumed many lifeless excuses so
he could avoid today. I think of him as a pyromaniac. He has
set me on fire and has climbed a distant tree to watch me
burn. He will climb down only to check whether I burned
properly or not.
Gina nudges my life back into the reception. A doctor is
standing some distance away from us. It is our turn; my turn.
I look at Gina, the sharp sting of stifled tears peppering my
eyes as though they are powdered glass. She gives me that
supportive nod again, stands up with me and follows me
down the passage, after the doctor. God bless Gina.
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