02/11/2024
πππ§ππ₯ππ₯π¬ | Embers of Eternity
As October clocked goodbye, Eve stood in the doorway, watching her daughter, Sofia, texting in the yard. A cool autumn breeze drifted through town, whispering that All Souls' Day was nearβa day to honor the death of loved ones. For Eve, it also carried memories of her husband, who had passed away eight years ago.
Before Benjβs passing, All Souls' Day had been a treasured family tradition. Together, they would light candles, share stories, and create small mementos in memory of loved ones who had passed. Since his death, Eve found it hard to keep the tradition alive. But this year, she felt it was time to honor Benjβs memory with their own little ritual.
That evening, Eve and Sofia sat down together. βLetβs try something different this year,β Eve said with a gentle smile. Sophiaβs eyes lit up, curious but confused.
βWe're taking a break from screens,β Eve said with a warm smile. βNo phones, just us.β
Sofia offered an unsettling expression but with excitement as well at the thought of spending time together. βWell then what are we going to do, Mom?β she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Eve reached into a drawer and pulled out an old, well-loved box. βWeβll start with this,β she said, revealing a vintage board game of Snakes and Ladders. The game had once belonged to Benj, who had used it to teach Sofia how to play, his face lighting up with every roll of the dice.
The first few minutes filled the room with a cloud of autumn and winter breeze. Eve rolled a six and slowly moved her piece. Sofia then played her turn but had a strong urge to pick up her phone, hoping to release the awkwardness stuck on their feet. She smiled softly as her piece climbed a ladder.
But soon, memories came flushing down the blur, they cheered at every ladder and groaned at every snake, sharing stories of Benjβs playful tricks. With each roll of the dice, it felt like he was there, his warmth filled into every smile and laugh.
Over the following days, Eve and Sofia spent time doing the small, meaningful things Benj used to love. They watched old family movies, cooked his favorite recipes, and they went to the places they used to visit together. Sofia felt like a kid again. Uncharging from devices and reconnecting with lost memories.
On the night of All Souls' Day, Eve and Sofia gathered around the dinner table, lighting a candle in honor of Benj. As the soft orange glow flickered, Sofia looked up at her mother with wide, innocent eyes and asked, βMom, can I write a letter to Papa?β With Eveβs nod, she grabbed a piece of paper and ink, pouring her heart into the note:
βπ«πππ π·πππ, ππ πππ π ππππ
ππ πππ πππ πππππππ. π° ππππ πππ ππππ ππππ. π΄ππ πππ
π° πππ
π ππππ ππππππππ πππππππ πππ
ππ πππππ ππππππ ππππ ππ 6ππ ππππππ
ππ. πΎπ ππππ πππ ππ ππππ. π³πππ, πΊππππ.β
After gently folding the letter, she placed it beside the candle, as Eve wiped away a tear, grateful for the way her daughter kept Benjβs memory alive.
Sofia gazed up at her mother with bright, curious eyes. βDo you think Papa will like this?β Eve gently touched her hand. βYes, sweetheart,β she replied softly. βHe would have loved it.β At that moment; Eve realized that All Souls' Day is no longer just about honoring Benjβs memory. It is a day of reliving the moments of life that are often overlooked.
Written by: Sophia Nicole D. Paraiso
Illustration by: Fane Sashi V. Lumauod