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Meet me at Coney Island, the one that never closes or dies. We will eat corn dogs and ride all the rides. I will win every prize.
No. That’s not right. It wouldn’t be fun to win or to lose forever.
I press my fingers against the wood coffin, and a tear trickles down my cheek.
Meet me in the place where I will see you sometimes, as often as we want.
Tell me a place like that exists.
Even if it’s a lie, even if there is no you left to say it, whisper to my heart. Say you’ll meet me there.
…
This week’s prompt got me thinking of the darker side of the pandemic, of all the things we are missing and may be tempted to reach for now that an end is in sight. Part of me wants to beg and plead to the world. Please do not risk the lives of the people you love, don’t risk making a choice you may regret for the rest of your life in order to not miss a holiday. If even a single person has to spend the rest of their life looking back at this holiday season and wonder – if their loved one would still be alive if they had skipped <insert holiday here>, then that will be too many.
Please be careful. Stay safe. Stay warm.
Thanks Rochelle and Roger for another great weekly prompt. Sorry this one got maudlin. ❤
Anne Higa 
Yes it’s way too big of a risk to dare to take for a minor reason
I like the growth in the course of this musing
So deep in the throes of fresh grief. Nicely written.
Dear Anne,
You brought tears to my eyes with this one. Stay safe.
Shalom,
Rochelle
It took me to the pandemic and lost friends and loved ones too. Nice writing.
These words of grief are very powerful. I agree, a holiday missed is little compared to the risk of losing a loved one. Stay safe and well!
Grieving is always hard, whether it’s for THE VIRUS or any other cause of death. You’ve described it well.
I felt your heart in this one. Your afterward is heartfelt. If a couple of holidays have to be skipped it’s no big deal in comparison to the lives of your loved ones.
i’m at a loss for words. grief is truly heartfelt.
A lyrical and wistful story. I like the contrast between the excitements of Cony Island and the quietness of grief.
Oh my heart. This was beautifully written, Anne.
Oh this is heartbreakingly beautiful
Powerful story. I love the line “Even if it’s a lie, even if there is no you left to say it, whisper to my heart.”