During the prayers of the day, there was one less “amen”.

Instead of hating, my heart cries mercy! Mercy on me! Mercy on me! Mercy on me!

Fear manifested itself as a physical presence that
seemed to dominate the public sphere. Time almost stopped. Even without
confirmation I could sense that something had gone terribly wrong.

Lately I find myself staring at people’s faces... I find myself frantically searching through the crowds for one face. I don’t find that face; I cry inside. Weeping for the identity I know no more.

Raw anguish slithers through my brittle bones as the deathly call rots the air. Who murdered you old friend? The forest has no words to identify the hand, only erratic echo.

I could smell the food fill up my hunger before the order was even
placed.